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rnational Copyrighted (in England, her Colonies, and the 
States) Edition of the Works of the Best Authors. 



No. 55. t 






^ New York 

^ SAMUEL FRENCH 

^ PUBLISHER 

X 28-30 WEST 38TH STREET 



London 



CAPTAIN SWIFT I 



STRAND 



^ 



^ Comctip SDrama in four 3lct^ ^ 



^ 



BY 

C. HADDON CHAMBERS 

AUTHOR OF : "THE IDLER," "THE TYRANNY ^ 

of tears," etc., etc. 0^ 

Copyright, 1902, by T. H. French. ^ 

Amateurs are not allowed to produce this play without ^ 

payment of the authors' royalty. All inquiries concern- ^ 

ine same should be addressed to the publisher3. ^ 

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FRENCH'S STANDARD DRAMA. 

Price 15 Cents each.— Bound Volumes $1.25. 



VOL. 1. 
1 Ion 

9 Viizio 

1 The Lidy •» Lyoni 

4 Ricbeli«u 
I Th. Wif« 
( The Hoiitymoon 

I The School for Siandal 

• MoDey 

VOL. II. 

• The Stranger 

10 Or«ndf»ther Whitehead 

11 Richard UI 

18 Luvc't Sacrifice 

18 The Gauietter 

14 A Cure for the Heartach.^ 

16 The Hunthbaok 

1( DoD Cicsar de Uatan 

VOL. UI. 
n The Poor tieatleman 

18 Hamlet 

19 Ch-nrles II 

80 Venice I'reserved 

81 Fiiarro 

82 The Love Chaia 
S3 Othello 

24 Lend me Five Shillings 

VOL, IV. 
96 Virginias 

96 King of the Couimoni 
27 London Assurance 
88 The Rent Day 
29 Two Gentlemen of Verona 
SO The Jealous Wife 
81 The Rivals 

83 Perfection 

VOL. V. [Debts 
S3 A New Way to Pay Old 

84 Look Before You Leap 
»b King John 

86 Nervous Man 

37 Damon and Pvthlaa 

38 Clandestine Marriage 

39 WiUiaiii Tell 

40 Day after the Wedding 

VOL. VI, 

41 Speed the Plough 

42 Romeo and Juliet 

43 Feudal Times 

44 Charles the Twelfth 

45 The Bride 

46 The Follies of a Night 

47 Iron Chest [Fair Lady 

48 Faint Hear Nev 

VOL. VIL 

49 Road to Ruin 

50 Macbeth 

61 Temper 

62 Evadne 

63 Bertram 

64 The Duenna 
66 Much Ado About Nothing 

66 The Critic 

VOL. VIII. 

67 The Apostate 

68 Twelfth Night 

69 Brutus 
JO Simpson A Co 
41 Merchai.t of Venice 
6^ Old HeadsA Young Hearts 

63 Mountaineers [riage 

64 Three Weeks after Mar 

VOL. IX. 
«6LoTe 

«t As You Like It 
•7 The Elder Brothwr 
•8 Werner 
•9 Gisippus 
TO Town and Country 

II King Lear 
18 Blue Devils 

VOL. X. 

13 Henry VIIl 

14 Married and SlngU 

15 Henrv IV 
IS Paul Pry 

17 Guv Mannerinf 

18 Sweetheart* and Wivas 

19 Serious Family 

80 Sne Stoops to Conquer 



Won 



VOL. XI. 

81 Jultus CKsar 

82 Vicar of Wakefield 
S.i Leap Year 

84 The Catspaw 

60 The Passmg Cloud 

86 Drunkard 

87 Rob Roy 

88 George Barnwell 

VOL. XII. 

89 Ingomar 

90 Sketches In India 

91 Two Friends 
9; Jane Shore 

93 Corsican Brothers 

94 Mind your own Business 

95 Writing on the Wall 

96 Heir at Law 

VOL. xin. 

97 Soldier's Daughter 
9- Douglas 

99 Marco Spada 
lUO Nature's Nobleman 

01 Sardanapalus 

02 Civiliz.ation 

103 The Robbers 

104 Katharine and Petruchio 
VOL. XIV. 

105 Game of Love 

106 Midsummer Night's 

07 Ernestine [Dream 

108 Rag Picker of Paris 

109 Flying Dutchman 

110 Hypoc-ite 

111 There.* 
112LaTourdeNesTe 

VOL. XV. 

113 Trerand As It Is 

114 Sea of Ice 

115 Seven Clerks 

116 Game of Life 

117 Forty Thieves 

118 Bryan Boroihme 
Romance and Reality 

120 Ugolino 

V.L. XVL 

121 The Tempest 

122 The Pilot 

123 Carpenter of Rouen 
1 4 King's Rival 

25 Little Treasure 
126 Dombey and Son 
12" Parents and Guardians 
U8 Jewess 

VOL. XVII. 
129 Camille 
l:i0 Married Life 

Wen lock of Wenlock 

132 Rose of Etlrickvale 

133 David Copperfield 

134 Aline, or the Rose of 
35 Pauline. [Killaruey 

136 Jane Eyre 
VOL. XVIII. 

137 Night and Morning 

138 iEthiop 

139 Three Guardsmen 
40 Tom Cringle 

141 Henriette, the Forsaken 
142Eustache Bandin 
43 Ernest Maltraver* 

144 Bold Dragoons 

VOL. XIX. 

145 Dred, or the Dismal 
[Swamp 

146 Last Days of Pompeii 

147 Esmeralda 

148 Peter WiUins 

149 Ben the Boitswain 

150 Jonathan Bradford 

151 Retribution 

152 Mineral! 

VOL. XX. 

1 53 French Spy 

154 Wept of Wish-ton Wish 

155 Evil Genius 

156 Ben Bolt 
167 Sailor of France 

158 Red Mask 

159 Life of an Actres* 
IbO Wedding Day 



VOL. XXI. 

161 All's Fair in Love 

162 Hofer 

163 Self 

164 Cinderella 

165 Phantom 

166 Franklin [Moscow 

167 The Gunmaker of 

168 The Love oi » Prince 

VOL. XXII. 

169 Son of the Night 

170 Rory O'More 

171 Golden E.sgla 
'72 Rienil 

173 Broken Sword 

174 Rip Van Winkl* 

175 Isabelle 

176 Heart of Mid Lothian 
VOL. XXIIL 

177 Actress of Padua 

178 Floating Beacon 

79 Bride of Lammermoor 
18U Cataract of the Gauges 

181 Robber of the Rhin« 

182 School ot Reform 
83 Wandering boys 

1S4 Mazeppa 

VOL. XXIV. 

185 Young New \ork 

186 The Victims 

187 Romance after Marriage 

188 Biigand 

"89 Poor of New York 

190 Ambrose Gwinett 

191 Raymond and Agnes 

192 Gambler's Fate 
VOi.. XXV. 

193 Father and Son 

194 M;issaniello 

195 Sixteen String Jack 
96 Youth lul Queen 

197 Skeleton Witness 

198 Innkeeper of Abbeville 

199 Miller and his Men 
2('0 Aladdin 

VOL. XXVL 

201 Adrienne the Actreas 

202 Undine 

2(i3 Jesse Brown 

204 Asmodeus 

205 Mormons 

206 Blanche of Brandywine 
2U7 Viola 

208 Deseret Deserted 
VOL. XXVll. 
Americana in Paris 

210 Victorine 

211 Wizard of the Wave 

212 Castle Spectre 

213 Horse-shoe Robinson 
2K Armand, Mrs. Mowatt 

Fashion, Mrs. Mowatt 

216 Glance at New York 

VOL. xxvin. 

217 Inconstant 

218 Uncle Tom's Cabin 

219 tiuide to the Stage 

220 Veteran 

221 Miller of New Jersey 

222 Dark Hour before Dawn 
Midsum'r N ight'sDrean 

[Laura Keene's Edilioi 

224 Art and Artifice 
VOL. XXIX. 

225 Poor Young Man 

226 Ossawattomie Brown 

227 Pope of Rome 

228 Oliver Twist 
2';9 Pauvrette 

230 Man in the Iron Mask 

231 Knight of Arva 

232 Moll Pitcher 

. VOL. XXX. 

233 Black Eyed Susan 
2.-!4 Satan in Paris 

235 Rosin a Meadows 

236 West End, or Irish Heir- 

237 Six Degrees of Crime 

238 The Lady and the Devil 
A veneer, or Moor of Sici- 



[ess 



VOL. XXXL 
241 Merry Wives of Windsor 

Mary's Birthday 
24:i Shandy Maguire 

244 Wild Oats 

245 Michael Erie 

246 Idiot Witness 

247 Willow Copse 

248 People's Lawyer 
VOL. XXklL 

249 The Boy Martyrs 

250 Lucretia Borgia 

251 Surgeon of Paris 

252 Patrician's Daughte» 

253 Shoemaker of Toul use 

254 Momentous Question 

255 Love and Loyalty 

256 Robber's Wife 
VOL. XXXIII. 

267 Dumb Girl of Genoa 
Wreck Ashore 

259 Clari 

260 Rural Felicity 

261 Wallace 

262 Madelaine 

263 The Fireman 
Grist to the Mill 

VOL. XXXIV. 

265 Two Loves and a Life 

266 Annie Blake 

267 Steward 

268 Captain Kyd 

269 Nick of the Woods 

270 Marble Heart 

271 Second Love 

272 Dream at Sea 

VOL. XXXV. 

273 Breach of Promise 

274 Review 

275 Lady of the Lake 

276 Still Water Runs Deep 

277 The Scholar 

278 Helping Hands 

279 Faust and Marguerite 
2S0 Last M:in 

VOL. xxxvr. 

281 Belle's Stratagem 
2S2 Old and Young 

283 Raffiiella 

284 Ruth Oakley 

285 British Sir- v-e 
2s6 A Life 8 liansom 
287 Giralda 

28 Time Tries All 

VOL. XXXVIL 

289 Ella Rosenliuig 

290 Warlock of the Glen 

291 Zelina 

292 Beatrice 

2»3 Neighbor Jackwood 

294 Wonder 

295 Robert Kmmet 

296 Green Bushes 

VOL. XXXVIII. 

297 Flowers ol the Forest 

298 A Bachelor of Arts 

299 The Midnight Banquet 

300 Husband ol in Hour 

301 Love's Labor Lost 
802 Naiad Quein 

303 Caprice 

304 Cradle of Liberty 

VOL. XXX1.X. 

305 The Lost Ship 

306 Country Squire 

307 Fraud and its Victims 

308 Putnam 

309 King and Deserter 

310 La F aiTiniina 

311 A Hard Struggle 

312 Gwiunette Vaughan 

VOL XL. 

313 The Love Knot [Judge 

314 Lavater, or Not a Bad 

315 The Noble Heart 

316 Coriolaniis 

317 The Winter's Tale 

318 Eveleen Wilson 

319 Ivanhoe 



Masks and Faces [ly 1320 Jonathan in England 



{French's Standard Drama Continued on ^d page of Cover.) 



SAMUEL FRENCH, 28-30 West 38th Street, New York City. 

Ncv anl Explicit Descriptive Catalogue Mailed Free 'Hi Reauesf 



CAPTAIN SWIFT 



a Comctip 2Drama in four ^tt$ 



BY 



s>''- 



CrHADDON CHAMBERS 

AUTHOR OF "THE IDLER," "THE TYRANNY OF 
TEARS," ETC., ETC. 



Copyright, 1902, by T. H. Frenci-i 



New York 
SAMUEL FRENCH 

PUBLISHER 

28-30 WEST 38TH STREET 



London 

SAMUEL FRENCH, Ltt> 

26 Southampton Street, 

STRAND 



/ I' 






CAPTAIN SWIFT. 



Produced at the Haymarket Theatre, London, 20th June, 
1888, with the following cast: 



Mr. Seabeook, Elderly Gentleman Mr. H. Kemble 

Harry Seabrook, His Son, in love with Stella 

Mr. Frank Gilmore 

Gardiner, From Queensland, Harry's friend, in love 

with Mabel Mr. F. H. Macklin 

Wilding (Captain Swift) Mr. H. Beerbohm Tree 

Marshall, Seabrook's butler, and foster-brother of 

Wilding Mr. R. Pateman 

Bates, Seabrook's Footman Mr, Robert Harwood 

Ryan, Queensland Detective in search of Wilding 
Mrs. Seabrook, Wife of Mr. Seabrook, also mother of 

Wilding Lady Monckton 

Mabel Seabrook, Her Daughter Miss Agnes Millar 

Stella Darbisher, Her Niece Mrs, Tree 

Lady Staunton, Her Sister Miss Rose Leclercq 



>? 



CAPTAIN SWIFT. 



ACT I. 



Scene; — Mrs. Seabrook's drawing-room, London. Charm- 
ingly furnished and arranged. Evening, after dinner. 

(Enter Marshall from r.. Bates from l.) 

Mar. (To Bates) Serve the coffee in here. The 
ladies will be here in a minute. 

(Ladies laugh off r.) 

(Exit Bates l.) 

Mr. Wilding seems to be amusing them. (Marshall 
moves about stage putting things in order) A real in- 
teresting gentleman that — got something to talk about — ■ 
knows how to talk. Been everywhere, seen everything, 
all-round accomplished. I seem to have seen him some- 
where before. From Australia — ha! I wonder if he ever 
met my precious foster-brother out there. He went out 
to those parts. I'd like to ask hir.. (As Ladies enter, 
is up c.) 

{Enter Mabel Seabrook and Stella Darbisher from r. 
Stella first crosses l., Mabel to l. c.) 

Mabel. Mr. Wilding is very amusing. 
Stella. I think he is interesting. 

{Enter Mrs. Seabrook r.) 

Mrs. S. Send coffee, Marshall. {Sits on settee r.) 
Mar. Yes, ma'am. 

{Exit Marshall l.) 

Mabel. Now, mamma, tell me all about him. {To c.) 

3 



4 CAPTAIN SWIFT. 

Mrs. S. (Who appears slightly disturbed) About 
whom, dear? 

Mabel. Mr. Wilding, of course! 

(Stella up to piano.) 

Mrs. S. I cau tell you nothing — I know nothing of 
him. 

(Stella is running her hand over the keys of the piano.) 

Mabel. You know nothing of him? 

Mrs. S. No. Your papa met him somewhere and 
asked him to dinner. I heard nothing of it till this 
afternoon. 

Mabel. We were to have dined alone to-day for a 
change. 

Mrs. S. (Aside — reflectively) It is strange — very 
strange! 

Mabel. Do you like him? (c.) 

Mrs. S. (Aside) I wish Betty could see him. 

Mabel. Mother, do you like him? 

Mrs. S. I don't know, Mabel. 

Mabel. Stella, I needn't ask you. (Moves up a lit- 
tle ) 

(Stella at piano l.) 

Stella. Why not? 

Mabel. Because you hung upon his words. 

Stella. Not so bad as that quite, but I confess I 
found him interesting. Did you? 

Mabel. A little. Mysteries are always interesting. 

Stella. Mysteries? 

Mabel. Yes. Who is he? 

Stella. A Mr. Wilding. 

Mabel. One Wilding — that's very enlightening. We 
knew that already — but no more. 

Stella. A travelled and accomplished gentleman. 

Mabel. One Wilding — a fascinating person. Any 
more? 

Stella. Yes. (Rises and comes down to arm chair 
l.) Your father's guest. (Sits chair l.) 

Mabel. Now you are angry! A sign that he has in- 
terested you very much. Please forgive me — (Sits foot- 
stool L.) — but I'm afraid I don't like him. 

Stella. Why not, pra] ? 

Mabel. Because I hate having one guest to dinner — 



CAPTAIN SWIFT. 5 

nobody else gets listened to — and because I intended to 
ask papa to take us somewhere this evening — and be- 
cause he seemed to depress mother, 

Mrs. S. You are mistaken, dear. I agree with Stella 
that Mr. Wilding is very interesting. I — think I shall 
like him very much — only 

Stella. Only what, Auntie? (Rises and crosses to 
Mrs. Seabrook r.) 

Mrs. S. There is something strange about him. 

Mabel. There is! (Rises.) 

Mrs. S. Perhaps it is his voice. He conveys the odd 
impression of one speaking from a distance. 

Stella. He talks of Australia, which is a long way 
off. 

Mrs. S, (Aside) A distance of time. 

Mabel. (Crosses up c. to r.) Do not trust him, gen- 
tle maiden. 

Stella. (Crosses l. to fireplace) You are absurd! 

Mrs. S. (Aside) It is very strange! If Betty could 
see him she would remember. Mabel, do you know what 
your Aunt Betty is doing to-night? 

Mabel. I think she's at home — nursing Sir John's 
gout. (Up n.) 

Mrs. S. (Aside) I'll send for her. (Rises, goes r. 
and sits at writing-tahle) 

Mabel. Mother, are we going to Fernshawe? 

Mrs. S. (Without looking up) Yes — on Monday. 

Mabel. (To Stella) Do you know how long we're 
to stay? (Crosses to l. c.) 

Stella, (l. of piano) I heard Uncle insisting on a 
week at least. He says we want dosing with fresh air 
and exercise. 

(They talk — Stella atove piano, Mabel "below her.) 

Mrs. S. (Aside — tvriting) "My dear Betty — do 
please come round for a few minutes if Sir John can 
spare you. I want you to see some one who troubles 
me." 

(Enter Mr. Seabrook r., who is short sighted) 

Mabel. Now, papa, we have got you. (Gets on his li.) 

(Stella on his l.) 

Mr. S. Only for a moment. I am going to smoke with 
Harry and Mr. Wilding. 



Q CAPTAIN SWIFT. 

(Exit Mrs. Seabrook with letter l.) 
{They hring Mr. Seabrook down between them.) 

Mabel. Now who is he? 

Mr. S. {Turning towards Stella) Now, my dear 
Mabel 

Mabel. {Turning his face with her hands) This way 
for Mabel. Who and what is Mr. Wilding? 

(Mabel pushes Mr. Seabrook on the couch next Stella 
and sits on his other side. All sit on settee r., Mabel 
R., Seabrook c, Stella l.) 

Mr. S. Mr. Wilding is a gentleman of— er — I believe 
excellent family, of which he is the sole survivor. 

Mabel. What is he? 

Mr. S. Mr. Wilding is, I believe, a man of independent 
means who has spent the greater part of his days in 
travel. 

Mabel. You believe a great deal about him, but what 
do you know? 

Mr. S. Mabel! Remember that 

Mabel. Where did you meet him? 

Mr. S. I had the honour of making Mr. Wilding's ac- 
quaintance 

Mabel. Well? 

Mr. S. No, I had — er — er Dear, dear! where had 

I My memory grows worse and worse! 

Mabel. Do you really mean, papa, that you can't re- 
member where you met Mr. Wilding? 

Mr. S. Just for the moment. 

Mabel. How long have you — er — had the honour? 

Mr. S. About three weeks, I think. {Reflectively) 
Now, where was it? {Going) I must ask him to re- 
mind me. {Turning c.) Oh, of course!. 

Mabel ) 

& ) Yes? 

Stella. ) 

Mr. S, You remember my famous cab accident last 
month? 

Mabel ) 
& ) Yes! {Still sitting.) 

Stella. ) 

Mr. S. Well, it was Mr. Wilding who saved me at the 
risk of his own life. It was a terrible moment! Some 
street band made the horses bolt. The driver was thrown 
from the box, and off we went — the horse and I— at a 



CAPTAIN SWIFT. Y 

furious pace down Oxford Street — bound for another 
world. And I verily believe we'd have got there but 
for an impetuous young man who sprang from the pave- 
ment right to the horse's head. Still the horse bolted, 
and still the young man kept a tight hold, being dragged 
along for about thirty yards. I thought he'd be killed, 
but when I had the courage to open my eyes, there he 
stood at the cab door, smiling and ready to help me out. 

Stella. Splendid! {Goes a little l.) 

Mabel. That makes me warm towards him. (Up to 
Mr. Seabrook) 

Stella. I should think so! 

Mr. S. Yes, he saved my life. (Going up to r.) 

Mabel. And then? (A little up r. c.) 

Mr. S. Then Let me see, we went somewhere for 

refreshments. (Crosses r. at back) 

Mabel. And after that? (Following Mr. Seabrook 
up) 

(Enter Mrs. Seabrook k.) 

Mr. S. Lunched with me at the club next day. A 
charming fellow, as you see! By the way, I've invited 
him down to Fernshawe next week. 

(Exit quickly.) 

Mabel. Papa! There!! (At door n.) 

Mrs. S. Asked him to Fernshawe! (Coming down 
c.) Have you heard who he is? 

Stella. It was he who saved Uncle's life in that 
dreadful cab accident. (By piano l. c.) 

Mrs. S. That should be sufficient recommendation. 
(Crosses to l.) 

Mabel. Papa is the most confiding, unsuspicious per- 
son in London. (Sits on ottoman r.) 

Stella. Mr. Wilding saved his life, (c.) 

Mabel. I like him for that — but not for himself. 

Stella. You are inveterate. 

(Mrs. Seabrook sits in chair l. — Stella sits at piano l.) 

Mabel. Papa's indiscretions would be amusing if they 
weren't sometimes alarming. Just before you came to 
live with us — (To Stella) — he brought a man to lunch 
one day simply because, having met him in the under- 
ground railway and got into conversation with him, bo 
discovered the interesting circumstance that their polit' 



3 CAPTAIN SWIFT. 

ical views were the same. The gentleman's name was 
Jobbs. , ^ ^ 

Mrs. S. I'm sure, dear, Mr. Jobbs was a most harm- 
less and respectable person. 

Mabel. So is our cook, but we don't ask her to lunch. 
As for your Mr. Wilding 

{Enter Harry Seabrook r., comes down c.) 

(Mabel rises.) 

Ah! now we shall have another opinion. Harry, an- 
swer one plain question, please— do you like Mr. Wild- 
ing? 

Harry. No. (c.) 

Mabel. {To Stella, standing r. c. above settee) 
There's a man's opinion for you. 

Stella. {Smiling) A boy's. {Aside) 

Mrs. S. Why not, dear? {In chair l.) 

Harry. {Moves towards his mother l. c. — Mabel lacJc 
of settee) Because I don't know him, never heard of 
him, and don't understand him. There's something queer 
about him. He's not like the men one is accustomed to 
meet. 

Stella. Is originality so great a sin then? {Crosses 
to R. of Mabel and sits on settee r. ) 

Harry. {Irritated) Oh! then we must be careful of 
attacking him since he's already found so able a cham- 
pion. 

(Mabel rises and passes to hack of Stella.) 

Stella. {Confused) I'm not his champion. 

Harry, (c.) You find him original. Why, any com- 
mon 

Mrs. S. Hush, dear! He saved your father's life. 

Harry. Yes, I've heard that story. But surely a 

fiver 

Mrs. S. Harry! 

(Stella r. on settee with Mabel at hack.) 

Harry. Well, of course I don't mean that the gov- 
ernor's not worth more than that, but bringing into the 
house a complete stranger about whom you know noth- 
ing, and who may reasonably enough be nothing but an 
adventurer, is a serious thing. 

Mabel. {Aside to Stella) Especially when the 
house contains an heiress. 



CAPTAIN SWIFT. 9 

Harry. Honestly I don't like Mr. Wilding. 

Mabel. {Aside) Poor Harry is jealous already. 
(Goes up stage r.). 

Harry. Fortunately my friend George Gardiner will 
arrive from Australia in a day or two. He may know 
something about this Wilding. 

Stella. Australia is a large place. 

Harry. Yes, but Wilding is great on Queensland ex- 
perience, and, as a Queensland squatter, Gardiner is not 
at all unlikely to have met him. However, as I suppose 
we shan't see much more of Mr. Wilding 

Mabel. Won't we, indeed! Don't flatter yourself on 
that score. 

Harry. What do you mean? 

Mrs. S. Your papa has asked Mr. Wilding down to 
Fernshawe. 

Harry. What! Asked an unknown, mysterious, sus- 
picious 

Wild. (Spoken partly off) Yes! I assure you I'd 
have given my right hand for a brandy and soda then. 

Stella ) 

& ) Hush! 

Mabel. ) 

(Voices outside r. Harry goes to piano l. Enter Wild- 
ing and Mr. Seabrook.) 

Mr. S. Ha, ha! No doubt! I should like you to hear 
that story, my dear. (To Mrs. Seabrook) 

Wild. No, no — I shall end by boring Mrs. Seabrook 
with my stories. 

(Enter Bates with coffee l. — Marshall with letter on 
salver.) 

Mrs. S. On the contrary, I should be delighted to hear 
it. (Still seated) 

(Marshall hands Mrs. Seabrook letter.) 
(Mabel assists Mr. Seabrook to chair r. up stage.) 

Wild. Mr. Seabrook asked me just now if I had ever 
suffered from thirst. 

Mabel. (Aside to Mr. Seabrook) Fancy asking a 
man that! 

Mr. S. Hush! (Sits.) 

Wild, (c.) The question reminded me of what 1 



10 CAPTAIN SWIFT. 

suffered once in North Queensland— the never, never 
land, as they call it. 

(Bates hands Wilding coffee and then exits l.) 

Wild. We were tramping, a gold miner and myself, 
through the bush from some gold diggings to the nearest 
township. On the second day of our march we found 
that we had missed the track. We were lost! 

Stella. {Who throughout shows great interest) 
Lost! {On settee r.) 

Wild. Lost, Miss Darbisher, in a wilderness of 
parched bush. {Up c.) 

Stella. How dreadful! 

Harry. My cousin is readily moved by romance. 

Mrs. S. You mean by suffering, Harry. 

Wild. The terrible part of it was that we had no 
water. The rivers and creeks were all dried up — the 
heat was fearful — the ground was hard and dusty. Very 
soon our faces were scorched, our tongues were parched 
and swollen, our lips were cracked — we could scarcely 
drag one foot after the other — as we wandered about in 
different directions looking for the lost track. I remem- 
ber well that I had given up all hope when I lay down 
under a tree to die. Then I remember the music of the 
horses' hoofs and the voices of the passing horsemen who 
saved me. 

Mrs. S. And your comrade? 

Wild. Poor fellow! We found him close at hand — he 
was dead. 

(Harry noticing Marshall who has heen secretly lis- 
tening with intense interest, rises) 

Harry. Marshall! 

Wild. What? 

Mar. I beg your pardon, sir {Moving towards L.) 

Wild. I wasn't aware I mentioned any name. 

Harry. You didn't. I was speaking to the servant. 
{Comes down l. c. a little — aside) That seems queer! 

Mabel. {Advances a little l)etween Wilding and 
Harry) What a funny coincidence. The man's name 
then was 

Harry. Marshall, it seems. {Crosses r. up stage with 
Mabel) 

Mar. {At door l., listening) Marshall! 

Wild. The man's name, if I remember rightly, 

iMoves across l. c. a little down) 



CAPTAIN SWIFT. 11 

Mr. S. I think you mentioned the name Marshall to 
me. Wilding. 

Wild. Then it must have been Marshall, or some- 
thing of the sort. However, it doesn't matter as the 
man is dead. 

Mar. (At door — aside) My precious foster-brother, 
perhaps. Yet he wasn't the sort to die of thirst. 

(Wilding near Mrs. Seabrook. Stella rises and goes 
round r. of settee.) 

(Marshall exits l.) 

Harry. (To Mabel.) What short memories these im- 
aginative people have! {Back c.) 
Mabel. Very! 

(Stella gets up to c. l)ack) 

Wild. (Aside) I was a fool to tell that story. 

Mr. S. (Coming down to Wilding on his r. Stella 
joins Mabel and Harry) Harry, you must really try 
and be more polite to 

Mrs. S. To Stella. But this is Mr. Wilding, James. 

Mr. S. (Aside) Whew! A narrow escape! (Goes 
R.) 

(Mabel doivn to him — a7id leads him to seat r.) 

Mrs. S. (To Wilding) Young people are never happy 
unless they are quarrelling and making it up. But you 
should know their way better than I, Mr. Wilding, for 

you are one of them still — certainly not more than 

(With a secret anxiety) 

Wild. Not more than twenty-five. 

(Stella and Harry together hack.) 

Mrs. S. (Aside, half rising in agitation) Twenty- 
five! 

Wild. I must be going, Mrs. Seabrook. 

Mrs. S. You are not going to leave us yet, Mr. Wild- 
ing, or I shall think you find us very dull. You have not 
seen the billiard room. Harry is quite a champion 
player and I have made him teach the girls. It is such 
good exercise. Harry, you will play Mr. Wilding a game 
of billiards? 

Harry. Delighted! (Doion on Wilding's r., below 
him) 



12 CAPTAIN SWIFT. 

(As he goes down, Stella across l. c. at l)ack.) 

( Wilding goes up to Mabel — Hakry comes clown c. 

Stella down c.) 

(To Stella) Why are you angry with me? 

Stella. I am not angry with you, although you have 
been a little rude. 

Harry. I am sorry, but I hate you to be so interested 
in — in 

Stella. In any one but yourself ? (Moves down i..) 

Harry, (l. c.) I was not going to say that. But I 
didn't think you would like anyone I disliked. 

Stella. Didn't you really? Now, Harry, please tell 
me when and where it was that I entered into a com- 
pact to regulate my likes and dislikes with yours? 

Harry. Oh! if you take that tone, I have nothing 

more to say. If the sight of a new face can (To 

R., theji goes up c, to Mabel) 

Wild. (Grossing to c.) Miss Darbisher, Miss Sea- 
brook insists on backing her brother. Won't you back 
me? 

Harry. I hate him! (Up r.) 

Mabel. (To Harry) Beat him if you love me — give 
him a good sound drubbing! 

Harry. I'd like to. 

(Exeunt Both.) 

Wild. (To Stella) Won't you be induced to back 
me? 

Stella. I must see how you play first. 
Wild. I promise you I play a bold game. 

(Exeunt Both.) 

(Mr. Seabrook in arm chair asleep.) 

Mrs. S. (Soliloquizing) It's strange, very strange! 
Betty can only decide as I have: that this Mr. Wilding 
bears a most startling resemblance — (l. of piano) — to — 
to him, — the man who would have been my husband had 
he not died. The face — the strange, pale eyes — the bear- 
ing — the voice — all so like, so like! Something in the 
manner, too — mysterious, but impenetrable. It can only 
be a coincidence — but what memories his presence 
arouses. Something like a shock comes to me when I 
look at him or when he speaks. Why is that? (l. c.) 
Only the shock of memory, I suppose — rudely awakened 
from a long sleep. 



CAPTAIN SWIFT. 13 

{Walks room, sees her husband, stands hefore him.) 

My husband — my good husband! The man with the 
golden heart! God bless him. I'd sacrifice my life be- 
fore his happiness — before I would allow his faith in 
his wife to be shaken. Betty should be here by now. I 
must talk with her alone. {Leans over the back of her 
husband's chair) James! James! 

Mr. S. {Drowsily) My love, among your host of vir- 
tues, I regret that that of permitting me to enjoy the 
leading article 

Mrs. S. I want you to go to the billiard room, dear, 
to keep the young people in order. Harry is so hasty, 
and he seems to have taken an unreasonable dislike to 
Mr. Wilding. I shouldn't like him to be rude to your 
friend. 

Mr. S. I'll go — though I'd rather stay here. 

Mrs. S. Is that a compliment to me or the arm-chair? 

Mr. S. Honours are divided. I dozed off because I 
was happy and comfortable. You made me happy, 

Mrs. S. And the arm-chair made you comfortable? 

Mr. S. Exactly! {Rises) Now where are my 
glasses? 

{The glasses are hanging down his back. Mrs. Sea- 
BROOK passes them over his shoulder and puts them 
on for him.) 

Mrs. S. Why! here they are. 

(Mr. Seabrook kisses her hand.) 

Mr. S. Thank you, dear. How clever you are! How 
clever you are! 

{Exit r.) 

Mrs. S. I am ashamed to practise even so slight a 
deception on him. Yet from the first I have hidden away 
from him just one thing which might have made so much 
difference. It was cheating him out of his confidence, 
winning it under false pretences. I could never bear 
to lose it now. I prize it too dearly. I cannot — I will not 
lose it. (r. c.) 

{Enter Bates l.) 

Bates. Lady Staunton. 



14: CAPTAIN SWIFT. 

"Enter Lady Staunton, l.) 
{Exit Bates l.) 

Mrs. S. (r. c.) I am delighted that you were able to 
come. 

Lady S. John swore furiously at my desertion. You 
know how — er — vigorous his language is during these 
attacks? However, your note was so imperative and so 
mysterious that I bore his abuse with my fingers in my 
Bars — and — here I am, dying to hear what you want me 
for. {Sits L.) 

(Mrs. Seabrook shuts doors r. and comes down l.) 

Mrs. S. Betty, James brought a stranger here to din- 
ner to-day. 

Lady S. That's not unusual! James does that sort 
of thing. A man? 

Mrs. S. Yes. 

Lady S. You may thank your stars it wasn't a 
woman! What sort of man? Anything strange about 
him? 

Mrs. S. Yes. {Standing r. of Lady Staunton.) 

Lady S. Ah! Some of your husband's casual friends 
are a little 

Mrs. S. Betty, this man is like him! 

Lady S. {A little startled — slowly) Like whom? 

Mrs. S. {After looking round to 6e sure they are 
alone) Like Harold Gage. {Kneels) 

{Pause.) 

Lady S. You know I never allow that subject to be 
mentioned between us. 

Mrs. S. I know that. But this man 

Lady S. We agreed that his name should be buried 
with him, and deep as his grave we buried the memory 
of your unfortunate attachment. 

Mrs. S. Remember I should have been his wife. 

Lady S. Had he lived. But it was better that he 
should die. He was a strange impossible man, 

Mrs. S. Like this man. 

Lady S. This man? 

Mrs. S. The man who is here to-night — Mr. Wilding. 
He is that one over again. 

Lady S. A chance likeness. 

Mrs. S. But it is so startling! You will own it when 
you see him. And his age is twenty-five. 



CAPTAIN SWIFT. 15 

Lady S. Twenty-five. 

Mrs. S. Might it not be fate? 

Laj)y S. Fate! Stuff and nonsense! There is no 
such thing. You are nervous and imaginative. 

Mrs. S. At that terrible time, Betty, you acted with- 
out consulting me. 

Lady S. I acted for the best. When you confided in 
me — I resolved to save you. No one knows what oc- 
curred. The secret is locked in our own hearts. 

Mrs. S.- But the poor child? 

Lady S. My dear Mary, it was reared by honest 
people. What more could a child have? Everything 
that could be done for the boy was done. You were dis- 
tracted when he ran away from school and disappeared. 
I looked upon it as an act of providence. Still we made 
every inquiry, and there's no doubt that what we heard 
was true — that he stowed away on board some ship 
bound for Australia. I've heard Australia is a splendid 
country for boys. 

Mrs. S. Betty, this man comes from Australia. 

Lady S. So do many people. 

Mrs. S. It was wicked to disown the poor little one. 

Lady S. It was wise. 

Mrs. S. {Rises) No, no! It was wicked. I have 
often felt it — when I have been alone. It has given me 
many a sleepless night, it has come back to me suddenly 
with a shiver in moments when I have been happy with 
my husband and my children, it has pursued me secretly, 
but remorselessly — this one thought — this one cruel ques- 
tion — where is my boy? 

Lady S. You may be thankful that you can't answer 
the question. The whole affair was very unfortunate: 
but it is old enough to be forgotten. Why don't you 
forget it? 

Mrs. S. I can't, Betty, I can't! The wrong was too 
great to forget. To have thrown my child into the mer- 
ciless arms of the world. How could I have done it! 
But I was ill — scarcely conscious — and you 

Lady S. (Rises) I saved you — your reputation — 
your honor — perhaps your life. There was no other way. 
(Crosses up c. to r., dotvn r. hack of settee and then sits 
on settee) You are just a little ungrateful, dear. 

Mrs. S. I am sorry! Forgive me. But I should not 
have permitted my little one to be sacrificed for me. I 
should not have been persuaded by you to marry James 
without telling him the truth. That was my worst fault. 
(Crosses to l. ) 

Lady S. You owed it to me to keep the affair secret. 



IG CAPTAIN SWIFT. 

The loss of your reputation would have reflected upon me 
as your sister. I was determined you should not lose it 
— and I am still! 

Mrs. S. My punishment will come. (Goes up c.) 

Lady S. (Sits r.) Nonsense! You are a little out 
of sorts, that's all. You may be sure that boy has pros- 
pered, leading a free open life in the new world — much 
happier than he would have been in this hot-house civ- 
ilization of ours — and much healthier. 

Mrs. S. (Comes down to l. of Lady Staunton) If 
he should be the boy, Marshall might recognize him. 

Lady S. I think not. He was too young when he dis- 
appeared. Still it was indiscreet to choose the Mar- 
shalls to have the child sent to. They had been our 
tenants for generations, and in these little affairs one 
can't go too far from home. 

Mrs. S. But they never guessed the child's parentage. 

Lady S. Of course not! But had I been you, I should 
never have taken a Marshall into my service afterwards. 
However, no harm has come of it — or ever will. And 
now we have had the wretched old skeleton out and 
shaken his bones, let us lock the cupboard again — and 
throw away the key. 

Mrs. S. But this Mr. Wilding 

Lady S. I will see him. 

{Enter Bates l.) 

Bates. Mr. Gardiner. 

Mrs. S. Mr. Gardiner? Oh! of course — Harry has 
been expecting him. Show Mr. Gardiner up. 
(Exit Bates l.) 

(To Lady STxIUNTOn) You remember Mr. Gardiner 
who was here last year? 

Lady S. The Queenslander squatter? Oh yes — an- 
other Australian! He must have some attraction here 
to return so soon. I remember now that he and 
Mabel 

Mrs. S. Mabel is a child. 

Lady S. Ah! I've discovered you again. What in- 
veterate match-makers mothers are! But your pet 
scheme with regard to Harry and Stella — is that pro- 
gressing? 

Mrs. S. I think so. Stella is a lovable girl, and 

Lady S. And an heiress. 

Mrs. S. You know I never think of such things. But 
Harry is very devoted to her. 



CAPTAIN SWIFT. 17 

(Enter Gardiner l., shown in hy Bates Mrs. Seabrook 
rises and goes up a little to c. Lady Staunton rises) 

Mrs. S. (c. — shaking hands) I'm delighted to see 
you back, Mr. Gardiner. 

Gar. Not more delighted than I am, Mrs. Seabrook. 
How do you do. Lady Staunton? 

(Shakes hands.) 

Lady S. Well, thank you. It's unnecessary to ask 
how you are — you're fresh from the ocean. 

Gar. Yes, we only landed at Plymouth this morning, 
and I hurried on by the first train, (c.) I couldn't re- 
sist the temptation of calling on you at once, though I 
risked finding myself in the way, 

(All sit.) 

Mrs. S. Not in the least! By the way, I must con- 
gratulate you on your narrow escape. Harry read me 
your letter about your encounter with the bushranger. 
Is he caught yet? 

Gar. Indeed he's not, and is not likely to be, I'm 
afraid. 

Lady S. A bushranger? An anachronism surely! 

Gar. Oh dear no! We had a real live bushranger at 
large in Queensland last year. A certain Captain Swift. 
I ought to know, for he stole the finest horse I ever 
owned, and on one occasion he held a pistol in my face 
for several anxious moments. 

Lady S. How exciting! And he has not been cap- 
tured. 

Gar. No — but he will be if he is alive, which I begin 
to doubt. These gentlemen. Lady Staunton, never man- 
age to escape from the country. They are either captured 
by our mounted police, or driven further and further 
into the interior by the pursuit, die in the end of thirst 
or starvation. 

Mrs. S. Poor wretches! 

Lady S. They must be mad to enter such a life with 
the certainty of being caught. 

Gar. I think most criminals are more or less mad. 

('War7iing for curtain.) 

Mrs. S. (To Lady Staunton) Mr. Gardiner is a 
psychologist. (Rises, moves c.) 



IS CAPTAIN SWIFT. 

Lady S. Psychology in the bush! (Laughs) 
(All rise. Mrs. Seabrook c. Gardiner crosses to her. 

Lady Staunton goes hack of stage and down to l. 

of Mrs. Seabrook. 

Mrs. S. By the way, did you ever meet a Mr. Wilding 
in Queensland? 

Gar. Wilding — Wilding? I may have — but I don't 
remember the name. What was he? 

Mrs. S. I am not sure — but he was at the gold 
mines, I believe. 

Gar. If he'd been a bullock driver I might have 
known him, but I never suffered from an attack of gold 
fever. 

(Enter Mabel and Harry r.) 

Mabel. To let him beat you! It's too bad! But he 
plays well. 

Harry. Like a professional. {Seeing Gardiner) 
Look! who is that? 

Mabel. Ah! {Appears delighted) 

(Lady Staunton in chair l.) 

Harry. Well? 

Mabel. I'd know that back anywhere. 

Harry. Why, it must be 

Mabel. Of course! 

(Gardiner turns c. Mrs. Seabrook to Lady Staunton — 
they talk.) 

Harry. Gardiner! 
Gar. That's the man! 

Harry. My dear fellow, how are you? I am de- 
lighted 

{Shake hands.) 

Gar. And you. Miss Seabrook? {Crosses to her.) 

(Harry moves a Tittle r. c.) 

Mabel. How do you do, Mr. Gardiner? 

{Enter Mr. Seabrook simultaneously.) 

Mr. S. Gardiner! {Joins group, coming between 
Harry and Gardiner) This is a pleasant surprise! 



CAPTAIN SWIFT. 19 

(Looking at Harry) Ah! (Shakes hands with Harry.) 

How extremely well you are looking! (Mistaking 
Harry for Gardiner) 
Gar. (Turning him round) I'm glad you think so. 

(Harry goes up.) 

Mr. S. (Having put on glasses and looked at Gar- 
iner) You are indeed! (Aside) Very nearly made a 
mistake, (c.) 

(Mabel and Gardiner go up to Harry. Mrs. Seabrook 
up behind piano. Lady Staunton rises, comes l. c. 
Harry, Gardiner and Mabel get over r.) 

How are you, Betty? (Shakes hands) 

(Comes down, crosses to Lady Staunton glasses off. To 
Lady Staunton in an affectionate manner — Lady 
Staunton crosses r.) 

We must have Gardiner with us at Fernshawe, dear. 
Mrs. S. Certainly, dear — ask Mr. Gardiner down. 

(Mr. Seabrook up to group at hack.) 

Wild. (Off) I told you I played a good game. 

(Mrs. Seabrook goes up to Lady Staunton.) 

Mrs. S. He is coming. Look well at him and tell 
me 

Lady S. Control yourself, dear. It's interesting, but 
can make no difference. 

(Enter Wilding and Stella, who ivalk straight to piano 
L. ivell up. Gardiner, Harry and Mabel are r. Mr. 
Seabrook going to them. Mrs. Seabrook and Lady 
Staunton 07i ottoman well down r. c. After Stella 
and Wilding enter, Mr. Seabrook sits up r. c.) 

Stella. I'm afraid I've been letting my music get 
old-fashioned. Will you choose something? 
Lady S. The figure is not unlike. 
Mrs. S. But the face — wait! 

(Wilding turning over music, his hack to all hut Stella.)^ 



20 CAPTAIN SWIFT. 

Wild. These are all new to me — and after all the old 
songs 

Mr. S. We expect you at Fernshawe next weeK, 
Gardiner. 

Wild. (Aside) Gardiner! (With fear) 

Gar. I shall be delighted to run down after Tuesday. 
Your soft English scenery is a refreshing relief after 
our melancholy bush. 

Wild. (Aside) The bush! Good God! 

(Stella has continued to turn over the music, not no- 
ticing Wilding.) 

Harry. (Bringing Gardiner across c.) By the way, 
I must introduce you to a brother Queenslander. 
Stella. (With music) Do you know this? 

(As he does not answer, she looks up, and seeing his 
expression is afraid.) 

Harry. Mr. Wilding, let me introduce 

(Pause.) 
(Wilding still with his hack turned.) 

Wild. Will he know me? No — impossible! 

(Then with an effort he composes his face and gathering 
himself together sloioly turns.) 

Mrs. S. (To Lady Staunton, with subdued excite- 
ment) Look! 

Harry. Mr. Wilding — Mr. Gardiner. But perhaps you 
have met before. 

(Lady Staunton raises her eye-glasses and looks at 
Wilding. A pause, during which Gardiner and Wild- 
ing look at each other — Wilding smiling.) 

Wild. I have of course heard of Mr. Gardiner, as 
every Queenslander has — but this is the first time I 
have had the good fortune to meet him. 

(Enter Marshall with lighted candelabra — comes down 
back of piano.) 

(Harry goes back again. Wilding awaits reply anx' 
iously.) 



CAPTAIN SWIFT. 



21 



Mrs. S. Well? 
Lady S. The image! 

Gar. No — I've never had the pleasure of meeting 
Mr. Wilding before. 
Wild. No — never before. 

(Wilding turns to piano and meets Marshall's eyes as 
Marshall places candelabra on piano.) 

Gab. {Aside) Yet I know that voice! 



ACT II. 



OPENING MUSIC. 



Scene — Exterior of Mr. Seabrook's Country House 
"Fernshawey A terrace very handsome and pictur- 
esque. Stella discovered in hammock, with book. 
Enter Mabel c. from l., comes down behind Stella 
puts her hand over her eyes.) 

Stella. Mabel! 

Mabel. I'm so dull. Harry is sulking, Mr. Gardiner 
and Mr. Wilding are in the stables, and you are read- 
ing; what have you there? {Down r. c. of Stella) 

Stella. Adventures. {Without looking up) 

Mabel. In Australia? 

Stella. Yes. 

Mabel. Particularly in Queensland, perhaps 

Stella. Partly. 

Mabel. Probably lent you by 

Stella. No, I found it in the library. 

Mabel. And probably chose it because 

Stella. Exactly. 

Mabel. Seems interesting; what sort of adventures 
are you at now? 

Stella. {With playful awesomeness) Bushrangers! 

Mabel. Awful! Stella, do you like Queenslanders? 

Stella. I only know two, they seem very nice. 

Mabel. One of them is — but the other 

Stella. The other? Oh, I think Mr. Gardiner 

Mabel. The other means Mr. Wilding. Mr. Gardiner 
we know, he is quite an old friend. But Mr. Wilding, 
(Stella quickly returns to her book) Oh, very well, if 
you won't listen, but please don't say I didn't warn you. 
{Crosses r. sits on seat.) 



22 CAPTAIN SWIFT. 

(Enter Gardiner and Wilding c. from l.) 

Gard. You're a good judge of horseflesh Wilding, (b. 
c.) 

Wild. Not better than you are. I used to hear that 
you bred the finest horses in Queensland, (l. c.) 

Gard. Well, I have raised some fairly good cattle. 

Wild. Miss Darbisher seems absorbed. 

Mabel. Yes, — she's a deep student, (b.) 

Wild. Of what? 

Mabel. Bushrangers. 

(Wilding starts violently — Gardiner watches him.) 

Gard. (Aside) Ah! that startled him. 

Stella. (Holding up hook) Australian adventures. 

Wild. (Recovering himself) Interesting people, 
Bushrangers, Miss Darbisher. 

Gard. (Looking at Wilding) Very! 

Stella. Have you ever met any? 

Wild. No I've never had that honour. 

Gard. Talking of Bushrangers reminds me that the 
finest horse I ever owned was stolen by a Bushranger. 

Wild. Indeed! 

Gard. A fact, I assure you, by iio other than Captain 
Swift. 

Wild. Captain Swift! Ah! I've heard of him. 

Gard. Of course you have, and, as you say, a blood- 
thirsty ruffian he was. 

Wild. (Starting up) I said nothing. 

Gard. No, I beg your pardon, perhaps you are right. 
He was not so bad as he looked. 

Wild. (Deliberately) You must be the better judge 
of his looks and character than I, since you appear to 
have met him, whilst I labour under the disadvantage of 
never having set eyes on him in my life. 

(Helps Stella out of hammock) 

Mabel. (To Gardiner) Is he caught yet? 

Gard. No — I'm afraid he must be dead. 

Wild. So I've iieard. 

Gard. Really — that's interesting, may I ask who was 
your informant? 

Wild. (Coolly and deliberately looking at Gardiner) 
A certain Mr. Jones. (Turns to Stella) 

Gard. That's indefinite. (Crosses B. to Mabel) 

Mabel. So is Mr. Wilding. 

Gard. Don't you like our friend? (Stella sits l.) 

Mabel. Do you ? 

Gard. Immensely. After all, Wilding, you mustn't be 



CAPTAIN SWIFT. 23 

severe on poor Swift. I'll describe an incident in his 
career which shows him in very favourable colours. 
(Grosses c.) Now suppose for a moment you are Swift. 
(Business with hunting crop) 

Wild. And what are you supposed to be? 

Gard. Ah! I offend you. 

Wild. Not in the least. I'm never offended by — small 
things. 

(Sits R. of Stella.) 

Gard. (c.) Well, I'll tell the story without illus- 
tration. I was riding to the station one night with my 
pockets crammed with bank notes with which to pay 
my shearers next day. It was a very dark and very 
lonely bush ride. Suddenly I heard horses' hoofs on the 
track behind me. I knew in an instant that they be- 
longed to "Starlight", the famous black horse that Swift 
had stolen from me, and that it was useless for me to 
fly; so I pulled up. In a few moments Captain Swift 
was alongside. 

Mabel. Had you met him before? 

Gard. No. I didn't know him — nobody did. No one 
knows now, I think, who he really was, nor has anyone 
knowingly seen his full face, for he always wore a mask. 

Wild. A mask eh? What a curious thing, to wear a 
mask. 

Gard. Well, he pulled up with revolver in his hand, 
and asked politely enough for my money. I should men- 
tion that he wore a beard at that time. (Looking at 
Wilding ) 

Wild. Then you have seen him since? 

Gard. No, but he may have shaved, you know. 

Wild. Oh yes, of course, he might have shaved. 

Gard. Have a cigar, (hands cigar case) I should 
also mention that he had a strange voice. 

Stella. What kind of a voice? 

Gard. Well— like— like 

Wild. Thanks. (Handing J)ack cigar case.) 

Gard. Like — I can't describe it. (Grosses r. c.) 

Mabel. What did you do? 

Gard. You shall hear. I was unarmed. I held a 
large sum of money — nearly two thousand pounds, with 
which I didn't care to part. 

Stella. And? (Rises and crosses c.) 

Gard. I refused to hand it over. (Stella crosses r. 
behind seat) 

Wild. (To Stella) You see, Mr. Gardiner is a hero! 



24 CAPTAIN SWIFT. 

Gard. Not a bit of it. 

Wild. Give me a light, will you? 

(Gardiner holds cigar to give Wilding a light.) 

Gard. And I'll tell you why, Wilding. Swift was as 
close to me as you are, holding up his pistol and looking 
straight at me with his pale eyes; and I could see in 
his eyes as plainly as I can in yours that whatever his 
crimes, he was incapable of murder, I was only brave 
because I knew he was unable to kill me. 

Mabel. And didn't he? 

(Seated r. Wilding sits l. in hammock.) 

Gard. No, he didn't, Miss Paddy. He couldn't 
frighten me out of the money, so he disappeared. 

Mabel. That was nice of him. 

Gard. Now you see. Wilding, why I am so interested 
in this Captain Swift. 

(Stella goes up c, still reading hook.) 

Wild. He would doubtless be very flattered — if he 
knew, (l.) 

Gard. Perhaps he does know. I owe him my life. 

Mabel. I can't see that. If you owe your life to 
everyone who doesn't kill you, your, debt is pretty heavy. 

Gard. (Sits by Mabel) Suppose, Miss Seabrook, you 
were swimming in the ocean and a shark came along and 
announced his intention of gobbling you up, bat on sec- 
ond thoughts went off v/ithout doing so, wouldn't you 
be somewhat grateful to the monster? 

Mabel. No, I should bear him a grudge for frighten- 
ing the wits out of me. 

Wild. (To Gardiner) Then you don't think so badly 
of this— Swift? 

Gard. I think there must be some good in him. 

Mabel. There can't be much good in a thief! 

Wild. A thief. Miss Seabrook! 

Mabel. Yes. A highwayman is only a romantic thief. 

Gard. Swift wouldn't have stolen your pocket hand- 
kerchief, but he rode into a small township one day, 
with his mask on, of course, got off his horse and coolly 
walked into a branch of the Queensland National Bank. 
No one dared interfere with him, and raising his hat 
to all the women he passed he had always the man- 
ners of a gentleman, you know 



CAPTAIN SWIFT. 25 

Mabel. What a bushranger! 

Gard. Why not, a bushranger is not alwaj^s the ruf- 
fian depicted by a penny novelette; this Swift, for in- 
stance was a bit of a student. Gentleman Bill, they 
called him. 

Wild. Gentleman Bill — eh? What a rum name. 

Gard. Anyhow he rode away with the air of a prince 
and £15,000 in his pocket. (Rises, crosses to Wilding) 
What can he have done with the money. Wilding? 

(Mabel rises and goes up r. to c.) 

Wild. I wonder! (Lying back in hammock.) 

Gard. And as you say, he wouldn't have much chance 
of spending it in the bush, (Goes up c. to Mabel) 
(Stella closes book and rises. Enter Harry c. comes 

doivn to Stella. Gardiner up to Mabel, Stella doivn 

L, c. as Wilding moves to c.) 

Wild, (Rises) No! He suspects me, but he can know 
nothing, and I'll silence even him, 

(Wilding moves to c. as he speaks, meeting Harry as 
he enters. Gardiner ancZ Mabel up c. a little l.) 

(Looks at Harry) How are jon? 

Harry. How are you? 

Wild. I'm not safe here. (Goes up to c. behind tree) 

Mabel. (To Gardiner) Oh, I promised to take Papa 
for a walk. 

Gard, Let me help you. 

Mabel, Perhaps he'll object, (Crosses to l. of Gardi- 
ner, ) 

Gard, Let us ask him, 

(Exeunt both c. to l. Wilding strolls up round tree, and 
follows Mabel and Gardiner off) 

Stella comes down to r. followed by Harry.) 

Harry. (To Stella) You've been very cool to me for 
the last few days. 

Stella. What nonsense! Why should I be? (Crosses 
and sits r.) 

Harry. I don't know, I'm sure I haven't deserved it. 
But let us forget, let us be the same again. (Sits arm of 
seat) 

Stella. Willingly. 

Harry. That's splendid. I've been quite miseranle — 
supose we have a gallop before lunch. You can run in 



26 CAPTAIN SWIFT. 

and put your habit on; it won't take you a minute, and 
I'll have the horses saddled. (Going up c. quickly) 

(Wilding re-enters up l, c.) 

Stella, (rises, not very willingly, hut seeing Wild- 
ing sits again.) But you forget, we've arranged to ride 
in the afternoon, and I am so anxious to finish this book. 

Harry. Or to talk to Mr. Wilding. (Coming down 
to her) 

Stella. Now you are absurd. 

Harry. How eagerly you throw over an old friend 
for a new one. 

Stella. It's natural when the new one is a sensible 
man, and the old one a rude boy. 

Harry. Did you mean that, Stella? 

Stella. Yes, I dislike rude people. 

Harry. And I hate fickle women. (Crossing r.) 
And scheming adventurers. 

(Exit R. 1 E.) 

(Wilding comes down hehind seat.) 

Wild. (Leans over seat) You like adventures, Miss 
Darbisher — 

Stella. Yes, I wonder you don't write yours. 

Wild. (Aside) Humph! They are not worth it, and 
they are over now. (Sits r. corner of seat) 

Stella. You will not travel any more. 

Wild. I am tired of wandering. 

Stella. I should have thought it too interesting a 
life to give up without a struggle. 

Wild. It wouldn't cost me a struggle. I began to 
realize that there are dearer prizes in life than novelty. 

Stella. What could have more charm? 

Wild. Home! 

Stella. Home! 

Wild. Yes, if one could find a home. 

Stella. You surprise me. 

Wild. It has been in my heart for years, this longing 
for a place — a little world all mine. It means someone 
to love — someone to love one. (Rises and crosses c.) 

Stella. That is a humble ambition, everyone reaches 
it. 

Wild. Not everyone. I have never had a home. I 
have been alone all my life. All my people died when I 
was young. I have never been loved — I have never dared 
to love — until now. (Looks at her furtively) 



CAPTAIN SWIFT. 27 

Stella. Until now? 

Wild. And now I dare not speak it. 

Stella. (With affected lightness) Why not? (Rises 
and crosses l) 

Wild. Nowadays before a man permits himself to 
fall in love, he should be in a position to satisfactorily 
answer two questions. 

Stella. What are they? 

Wild. Number one — what are you? Number two^ 
what have you? 

Stella. You are cynical. 

Wild. And how could I meet those questions. Who 
am I? A wanderer; with no living kith or kin. What 
have I? Property — none. Money — well — yes 

Stella. A woman who loved you wouldn't ask such 
Questions. 

Wild. A woman who loved! A woman who loved 
me, might save me. 

Stella. From what? 

Wild. From myself. From despair — do you think I 
could find such a woman? 

Stella. (Going l.) I think, Mr. Wilding 

Wild. Forgive me. Miss Darbisher. I scarcely dare — ■ 
and yet you are so good — j^ou shall tell me. Was I a 
fool — a madman to come down here, knowing so cer- 
tainly what would happen? 

Stella. That what would happen? 

Wild. That I should love you, (Taking her hand) 

Stella. Mr. Wilding! 

Wild. What have I done? I was a madman to speak. 
I might have known that I should anger you. (Going 
up c.) 

Stella. I am not angry — only (Crosses c. to n.) 

Wild. Only (Coming to her on her l.) 

(Enter Marshall c. from l., comes down) 

Stella. What can I say? 

Wild. Whatever your heart tells you to say. 

Stella. My heart tells me 

Wild. That you 

Mars. Mr. Wilding — (at back c.) 
Wild. (Asi'de) Curse him! 
Mars. Can I speak to you sir, for a moment? 
Wild. (Furious) No! 

Mars. A matter of business sir, but some other time 
will do. 

Stella. I am going. 



2S CAPTAIN SWIFT. 

Wild. Don't go, the man can wait. 
Stella. No, I want to be alone — to think. 
Wild. But your ansv/er? 
Stella. I will tell you later. 
Wild. To-day? 
Stella. Yes, to-day. 

(Exit Stella e. 1 e.) 

Wild. She will say yes; I think that would save 
me. Why not? She is her own mistress. We could 
marry at once, then even if they discovered me, they 
would not m.olest me. This Gardiner is apparently go- 
ing to join the family himself, and for the sa^e of the 
family he must take my part, if anything unpleasant 
should arise. Could anything unpleasant arise? No 
— I think not. (l.) I think not. 

Mars. Mr. Wilding — (up stage l.) 

Wild. Oh, you're still there. What the devil do you 
want? 

Mars. (Aside) He don't talk like that when any of 
the family's around. I want to speak to you on a sub- 
ject of importance to me, sir. 

Wild. How can it interest me? 

Mars. Well, sir, you knew the gentleman. 

Wild. What gentleman? 

Mars. My brother, sir. 

Wild. Your brother! No, I did not know the — gen- 
tleman. 

Mars. Excuse me, sir, he was a bit of a gentleman in 
his way, 'aughty and 'igh 'anded from a kid, and you 
knew, him sir, in Queensland, where he died, of thirst 
as I heard you say. Marshall sir, William Marshall. 

Wild. (Aside) My God! (By tree i..) 

Mars. Yes, sir — the man as you did the tramp with, 
my brother, poor Bill. 

(Wilding takes out pipe.) 

Wild. Your brother, eh? Your brother! Fetch me 
some matches. 

Mars. (Aside) Fetch him some! WeU, if he ain't 
the coolest 'and. 

Wild. Look sharp. 

Mars. Yes sir. 

CExitL.) 



CAPTAIN SWIFT. 29 

Wild. I'm not safe here. This place is a hornet's 
nest. The long arm of coincidence has reached after 
me. Ah, I neglected one thing — silence! Yet how could 
I suspect when I told the story about the tramp in the 
bush that the gaping ears of a prying servant were 
drinking it in, and that he should be this horrible Mar- 
shall. How could I have foreseen when I accepted Sea- 
brook's invitation that I should meet a suspicious squat- 
ter, and that he should be this very Gardiner? What 
must I do? Abandon it all, and go back? 

(Sees and picks up Stella's hook sits r.) 

No, I can't, I won't be an outcast again, I'll fight it 
out. The end is worth the struggle. 

(Enter Marshall with matches.) 

Mars. Matches, sir. 
Wild. Thanks. 

(Wilding lights pipe.) 

Well, my man, I suppose you've nothing more to say. 
Your brother said nothing to me about his friends. He's 
dead, and there's an end of it. 

Mars. (Aside) Is he! One moment, sir. (l. c.) 
You see, although Bill wasn't rightly my brother, only 
adopted by my people — my foster-brother — I was very 
fond of him. 

Wild. (Aside) Liar. 

Mars. He was sent away to school when we were 
boys and I ain't seen him since, but I've thought about 
him, sir, no end. 

Wild. By the way, how do you know that this particu- 
lar Marshall was your foster-brother? 

Mars. I'd swear to it, sir, from ^^''it I heard you say. 
I'd tell you how I'd know him, to make quite sure. You 
see although I —as fond of him, we used to row some- 
times as boys, and one day he hit me with a rake, and 
I let him have it on the left arm with a pruning knife. 

(Wilding holds his left arm for a moment uncon- 
sciously.) 

Yes, sir, just about there. I'll swear he never lost 
that mark. Perhaps you noticed it on him, sir? 

Wild. No, I never noticed it. 

Mars. Yes, I loved Bill dearly, though he was treated 



30 CAPTAIN SWIFT. 

different to me at home, fed and pampered and educated 
as if he'd been a young lord. I got all the kicks like 
a dog. My people was well paid for it, I suppose, and I 
didn't hate him like poison as some boys might, be- 
cause, after all, between ourselves, sir — (leaning close 
to Wilding) he was nothing but a common bastard. 

Wild. (Springing up and seizing Marshall by the 
throat, swinging him to e.) You dog — I'll wring your 
cursed neck! 

(Marshall trying to push Wilding's arm hack, in so 
doing pushing his left coat sleeve up his arm) 

Mars. Mr. Wilding! sir — I didn't mean — I'm 

{Suddenly gazes on Wilding's left arm which is exposed 
to the elbow.) 

The mark! The mark! 

(Wilding starts violently.) 

It was just such a mark as that, I made on dear old 
Bill with the pruning knife. 

Wild. Well, now you see that your Bill was not the 
only man who had been knifed by a cur — (throws Mar- 
shall down R.) now go. (Goes up, turns) And mark 
this. If you ever presume to address me in private 
again, I will thrash the life out of you. (Goes up c.) 

Mars. (Rises and follows Wilding up) Look here 
now, there's no use your trying to frighten me. I mean 
business. You're the fellow that was brought up in 
our family — my foster-brother. That pretty story you 
told the ladies about William Marshall dying of thirst in 
Queensland was all humbug, for you yourself are Will- 
iam Marshall. 

(Wilding, about to strike him, checks himself; crosses 
down l. c.) 

Now to business — William Marshall wishes to be 
thought dead — I'm the only one as knows he is alive; 
very good, I'm for sale! 

(Enter Lady S. and Mrs. S. c.) 

Wild. Sale! I should consider you dear at any price. 
Mars. Oh, if that's the way, Mr. Bill. 

(About to strike him.) 



CAPTAIN SWIFT. 31 

Wild. What? (Hitting Marshall with whip) 
Mrs. S. (Gomes down c.) Marshall! 

(Marshall to r., Wilding to l. c.) 

Mars. I beg pardon, ma'am, but this — (Aside) 
Shall I split, or wait and make him pay? 

Wild. (l. c.) I beg your pardon, Mrs. Seabrook, but 
the man who died with thirst in Queensland — you re- 
member my little story — was this man's brother. 

Mars, (r.) I'll wait. (Aside aloud) Not brother, 
ma'am, but we was brought up together, and I was 
very fond of him, loved him more than a brother. 
(Looking at Wilding) 

Mrs. S. That will do — you may go. (Goes up c. a 
little — Lady S. down l. c.) 

Mars. (Loking hack) The bastard's the gentleman, 
and the honest man's the servant. I'll change an that, 
that. 

(Exit R. 1 E.) 

Lady S. (Coming doivn l. c.) Quite a strange coin- 
cidence, Mr. Wilding. 

Wild. Life is full of such coincidences. Lady Staun- 
ton! (Grosses r. up stage, takes book from seat) 

Mrs. S. (c.) What sort of a man was this Marshall? 
(Gomes down c.) 

Wild, (r.) Quite an ordinary person. A man of no 
account. (Goes up) 

Lady S. (c. aside, looking at Wilding) Why, I won- 
der does he wish to be thought dead? (Goes l. c.) 

Mrs. S. (To Lady S. on her r.) Leave me with him, 
Betty. 

Lady S. Why do you wish to be alone with him? 
(Pause, Wilding is up r. c.) Mary, you are trifling with 
a great danger. 

Mrs. S. What do you mean? 

Lady S. That in allowing Mr. Wilding to remain, you 
will ruin the happiness of your son — Harry. 

Mrs. S. How? 

Lady S. Are you so blind that you don't see how 
Stella is beginning to love this man? 

Mrs. S. Stella — nonsense! Nothing can come between 
Stella and my boy. (Moves away c.) 

Lady S. Just imagine for a moment that I am right. 
Would you allow your husband to give his niece to this 
stranger without knowing the truth. 



32 CAPTAIN SWIFT. 

Mrs. S. Of course not. The idea doesn't bear thinking 
of, I've suffered too much from my original deceit to 
crown it with such wickedness. But you are absurdly 
mistaken. Leave me with him, dear — you can trust me. 

Lady S. I doubt if I can, you've too much of that 
inconvenient thing called heart. At least promise me 
to get rid of Marshall. 

Mrs.' S. ' I will — at once. 

Lady S. And you must get rid of him (indicating 
Wilding ) 

Mrs. S. Yes, but if he were your son 

Lady S. My son! Heaven forbid! 

{Exit Lady S. l. 1 e.) 

Mrs. S. Alone with him at last. How I love him. 
(c.) If I could only do something for him. Mr. Wild- 
ing! (He turns from balustrade) Do you know, you 
interest me deeply. {Grosses to seat r.) 

Wild. {Behind seat) 1 am very happy to hear it, 
Mrs. Seabrook. 

Mrs. S. {Sits r.) You must remember the gratitude 
I owe you for saving my husband's life. 

Wild. {Sits r.) That was a trifle, I only had to 
stretch out my hand. 

{Gong ready.) 

Mrs. S. But beyond that I am always interested in 
people who have suffered — you won't think me inquisi- 
tive, but you have not known much happiness I fear. 

Wild. You are right, the very word is strange to me. 

Mrs. S. {Asid.e) Ah! 

Wild. I don't think a man can be really happy alone. 
All my people died before I was old enough to know 
them. I have been alone all my life. 

Mrs. S. {Rises and crosses l. Aside) My sin 
against him. Mr. Wilding, I wish you to believe that I 
am your friend. We return to Town in a day or two, 
and I suppose you will be going abroad again? 

Wild. {Rises) Perhaps — it depends on circum- 
stances. {Looks R. 1 E.) 

Mrs. S. In any case, if I can ever be of service to you, 
if ever you want the help of a friend, think of me — you 
promise, you will promise. 

Wild. {Takes her hand) You are very good. I 
promise. 

Mrs. S. Not good. I have a boy of my own. 



CAPTAIN SWIFT. 33 

WiLn. Ah, yes. 

Mrs. S. You must think of me as your mother. 

Wild. I never knew my mother. 

Mrs. S. But she loved j^ou. 

Wild. I never even learnt the word mother. 

Mrs. S. Don't speak like that! You will learn it. 

Wild. I am too old to learn. (Goes up c. to r.) 

(Enter Mr. Seabrook l. 1 e.) 

Mrs. S. Don't say that! (c. up) Hush. She may 
hear you, it would pain her. 
Mr. S. Mary! 
Mrs. S. James! 
Mrs. S. Is that you, dear. 

(Gong.) 

Mrs. S. (7s much agitated, puts Mr. S. on seat r.) 
Yes, dear, I must see to the luncheon. I can't bear it. 
(Crosses l.) Mr. Wilding, you will remember? 

Wild. I will remember. 

Mrs. S. It's more than I can bear. 

(Exit l. 1 E.) 

Mr. S. Wilding? My wife seems a little disturbed. 
Have you been telling her one of your charming but 
painful stories? 

Wild. I must confess I have. (r. c.) 

Mr. S. (c.) Ah, that accounts for it, she has a very 
tender heart. I will go to her. I always feel uneasy 
when she is not near me. Will you lend me your arm? 
Gardiner and Mabel have unkindly deserted me, and I 
mistrust my eyes. (Going) Do you know, Wilding, I 
like you. 

Wild. I am very glad to hear it. 

Mr. S. I do, indeed! Didn't you save my life, — I hope 
to see a great deal more of you. 

Wild. That is my intention. 

(Exeunt both l. 1 e.) 
(Enter MxVbel and Gardiner c. from l.) 

Gard. Tell me why you think I suspect your friend — 
(Mabel gives look) I mean our friend. 

Mabel. Because you are continually watching him, 
and laying conversational traps for him. 



34 CAPTAIN SWIFT. 

Gard. I'm very sorry, I won't do it again. (Mabel 
sits R.) 

Mabel. That's not an answer. Have you remembered 
yet where you heard his voice before? 

Gard. {8its) His voice? Miss Seabrook, are you a 
witch? 

Mabel. No, but I have sharp ears — when you were in- 
troduced to him you muttered, " I know that voice." 

Gard. Well, I will acknowledge that his voice is fa- 
miliar, but there, I would rather stop if you will let me. 

Mabel. But suppose I won't let you. 

Gard. I am afraid I should have to tell you. 

Mabel. Do. (Puts flower in Gardiner's buttonhole) 

Gard. But wait — suppose I were to say I have particu- 
lar reasons for not telling you at present. 

Mabel. I'm afraid I should have to say — Have your 
own way. 

Gard. That would be very sensible, and suppose I 
were to say, Mabel, I 

Mabel. I would have to tell Papa. (Rises and crosses 
to L.) 

Gard. Let me tell him. 

Mabel. He'll be very angry. You try him. 

Gard. I mean to. (About to kiss her) 

(Enter Harry r. goes up c.) 

Mabel. You mustn't! Here's Harry. (To Harry) 
We haven't seen much of you this morning — have you 
taken to study? 

Harry. Where is Wilding? 

Mabel. Don't know. With Stella, perhaps. 

(Exit Mabel l. 1 e.) 

Harry, (r.) Gardiner! 

Gard. (c.) What is it, old fellow? 

Harry. This Wilding — I'm going to insult him. 

Gard. Nonsense! What for? 

Harry. Because I hate him. 

Gard, My dear boy, I didn't think you were so young. 

Harry. I'm old enough to know an adventurer when 
I meet one. 

Gard. Well, supposing he is an adventurer, it would 
scarcely be good form to insult him under the circum- 
stances. 

Harry. Damn form! You seemed to have conceived 
quite an attachment for the fellow, 



CAPTAIN SWIFT. 35 

GrARD. Perhaps I have in a way. He interests me. 

Harry, Although you Icnow in your heart as well as 
I do that he's a scamp and not fit to be here — that if the 
governor weren't so simple — so easily taken in 

(Enter Wilding l. 1 e.) 

Gard. Hush! Here is Wilding — now come away and 
don't be a fool. (Both go up c. Harry led hy Gardiner) 

Harry. (Coming cloion to r. of Wilding) Mr. Wild- 
ing, I want to convey to you as politely as you will let 
me that I don't like you. 

Wild. Eh? 

Harry. I don't like you, sir. 

Wild. Indeed! That is interesting — but not im- 
portant. 

Harry. It should be sufficient if you have any gen- 
tlemanly instinct. 

Wild. I'm afraid our ideas of gentlemanly instinct 
differ, if I'm to judge of yours by your present con- 
duct. 

Harry. You may judge what you like, sir; my opinion 
remains that finding your presence here to be obnoxious 
you should withdraw. 

Wild. When I learn that I am your guest, I shall cer- 
tainly not remain. 

Gard. (r. to Harry) Why will you be a fool? 

Harry. Leave me alone. (To Wilding) That is a 
paltry quibble. You are the guest of my father, who be- 
ing simple in the ways of the world 

Wild. In which you are apparently very learned, and 
experienced. 

Harry. Experienced enough to detect in you the com- 
mon adventurer. 

Wild. (Menacingly) What? 

Gard. (Talcing ^xviUY down u.) Come away, Harry — • 
this is idiotic and discreditable. 

Harry. Don't interfere, Gardiner. 

Gard. I must. You don't know the man. You're 
playing with fire, 

(Harry treaks away and goes up stage) 

Wild, (Having controlled his temper) The passions 
of a jealous youth may be interesting to you, Gardiner, 
as a psychologist, but to me they are wearisome. Take 
him away to some cool place, and let him simmer down. 
(Crosses to k.) 



3() CAPTAIN SWIFT. 

Harry. (Coming clown to l. of Wilding) By Heaven, 
sir, if words won't move yon, I'll try something more 
forcible. (Raises hand to strike Y\f hiding.) 

(Enter Mrs. Seabrook c. from l.) 

Gard. You are mad. 

( Simultaneously ) 

Mrs. S. Harry! (Pause) What does this mean? 

Wild. Merely a friendly discussion on 

Harry. It's a lie. 

(Wilding gets behind seat) 

Mrs. S. Harry, you will please remember that I am 
present. I will not have jour father's guest — my guest 
insulted. Mr. Wilding, v/ith the instinct of a gentle- 
man, wished to conceal from me that you have been 
quarrelling. 

Harry. He is not a gentleman, and I have told him 
so. 

Mrs. S. Hush, dear, now go — and leave me to apolo- 
gise to Mr. Wilding for your rudeness. 

(Wilding goes up r, Gardiner a little up l. c.) 

Harry. If you prefer this stranger to your own son. 
(Down R. c. a little) 

Mrs. S. (With great pain c.) Harry, stop! you — 
you — shock me. Go! (Harry crosses l.) 

Gard. (r. of Harry) I tell you candidly, my friend, 
you have made a fool of yourself. 

Harry. No matter, he'll have to go. 

Gaed. No doubt, but you want taming. Try twelve 
months' bullock driving. 

(Gardiner pushes Harry off l. 1 e. and follows.) 

Mrs. S. (l. c.) Mr. Wilding, I am excessively 
pained 

Wild, (c.) I beg that you will not speak of it. Your 
son has not been very polite to me, but I can forget it, 
although it has cost me dearly in cutting short my visit 
here. 

Mrs. S. Don't say that. Harry is young, only twenty 
— and excessively hot-headed. He seems to have some 



CAPTAIN SWIFT. 37 

fancied grievance against you, which I can't understand 
-^you will not leave for such a trifle? 

Wild. I must — at once — to-day. 

Mrs. S. To-day. 

Wild. Yes. I can't permit myself to be a cause of 
discord here. I have been very happy in your house, 
Mrs. S.eabrook. It is over now. But I must always think 
of you with the deepest gratitude. Good-bye! (Goes 
up c.) 

Mrs. S. Good-bye. No. — no — (aside) I cannot let him 
go. Stay at least until to-morrow. 

(Enter Stella r. 1 e.) 

Stella. Haven't you heard the luncheon gong? 

(R. C.) 

Wild. Miss Darbisher shall decide, (c.) 
Mrs. S. Mr. Wilding talks of going to-day. (l. c.) 
Stella. To-day? 

Wild. Mrs. Seabrook, I have dared to love your 
niece. 
Mrs. S. You love Stella? 
Wild. Let her decide. 

(Wilding tur7is to Stella.) 

Mrs. S. Ah! , (Crosses l.) This is impossible! 
(Aside) It would mean discovery. (To Wilding) It 
would ruin Harry's happiness. 

Wild. Harry's! 

Mrs. S. Yes, he loves her. 

Wild. And I? Miss Darbisher, shall I go or shall I 
stay? 

Stella. Don't go. 

Wild. Stella, my darling. 

Mrs. S. Oh! Brother against brother! 

(Moans — leans against tree in fainting condition) 
Stella Wilding 

Mrs. S. 
CURTAIN. 



3S CAPTAIN SWIFT. 



ACT III. 

AFTEE DINNER — SAME DAY AS ACT II. 

Scene — Smoking room or Conservatory at FernsJiawe; 
that is, a conservatory with a little fountain playing 
and dressed with exotics, filled up with lounges and 
chairs. A short staircase between l. u. e., and Cur- 
tains at the top. 

(Harry discovered smoking, up stage r. c.) 

Harry. It's all over then. There's evidently an un- 
derstanding between them. That's why the Mater is so 
put out and the Gov's so quiet to-night. The hawk has 
secured the pigeon. He is a hawk, I'll swear — he has it 
in his face — his voice — in his manner. He only wants 
her money. (Sits l. of n. table) What idiots women are 

and what idiots men must be to love them I 

can't help it — I love her still — I must love her although 
she's jilted me for a cad she's only known for a week. 
She liked me well enough till he came, if she didn't 
actually love me. (Rises) By Heaven! he shan't have 

her if I have to kill him I'll swear Gardiner 

knows something about him — Why doesn't he speak? 
{Sits R. of R. table.) 

(Enter Marshall with coffee l. u. e.) 

Marsh. Coffee, sir. (Puts it down) 

Harry. Thanks. 

Marsh. (Going) He'd like to know what I do. It'd 
be worth a few pounds to him. Wilding refuses to pay. 
Perhaps he will. (Pause) I'm leaving to-morrow, sir. 

(Comes back c.) 

Harry. Oh, that's all right. 

Marsh. I've been a long time in your mother's fam- 
ily, sir, and my people served you before I was born; 
but now I've been turned away with a fortnight's pay. 

Harry. Have you? Well, for very good reasons, no 
doubt. That will do. 

Marsh. Very good reasons for Mr. Wilding, sir. 

Harry. Wilding! What do you mean? 




CAPTi^m SWIFT. 39 

Marsh, (r. c.) I'd swear it's him as has had me 
turned away. 

Harry. Nonsense. What has Mr. Wilding to do with 
you? 

That's for him and me to say. 
Well, say it. Did you ever meet him before? 
(Contemptuously) Did I ever meet him be- 

Don't repeat my words, please. If you have 
anything to say, say it and go. 

Marsh. Well, yes, sir, I will — but you see I'm dis- 
missed, and likely enough I'll be out of a situation for 
some months. 

Harry. Yes; I should say that's likely enough. (Con- 
temptuously) 

Marsh. And times is pretty hard, sir. 

Harry. I see. You want to be paid. (Rises and 
crosses l.) 

Marsh. Don't we all, sir? 

Harry. (Sits l. on seat) Yes, my experience is that 
you all do. 

Marsh. Besides, I have a great affection for Mr. Wild- 
ing — love him dearly, sir — and I don't think it would be 
fair to sell him, not under a considerable sum. 

Harry. Of course not. 

Marsh. You could crush him, sir, if you knew what 
I do. 

Harry. (Aside) No. (Aloud) That will do. 

Marsh. And you'll pay, sir. 

Harry. (Angrily) Get out, before I kick you out. 
(Crosses r. c.) 

Marsh. (Aside) Middle class cub. 

(Exit L. 2 E.) 

Harry. No, that sort of thing is too dirty. I'll trust 
to Gardiner. He swears it will be all right — and that 
he is the real master of the situation. Well, he ought 
to exert himself, as he is evidently going to marry Mabel, 
and wouldn't exactly care for this scamp as a cousin-in- 
law. (Goes up c.) Would Stella hate or love me if Wild- 
ing were exposed — God knows! 



(Going off r. up) 
(Enter Stella l. u. e.) 
Stella. Harry, are you here? 



40 CAPTAIN SWIFT. 

(He is heJiincl an exotic and doesn't reply, hut smokes 
violently.) 

Ah, there is no smoke without fire. (Discovers him) 
I thought so. Why don't you come to the drav/ing room? 

(D 010)1 L. ) 

Harry. Because I'd rather not. (r.) 

Stella, (c.) Come, you've been here long enough. 
Is it because you are angry with me? I've come to say 
I'm sorry. 

Harry. For what? 

Stella. For spealving unkindly this morning. Won't 
you forgive me? 

Harry. Yes, I forgive you that. 

Stella. You imply that there is something else which 
you won't forgive. Well, I must be content to take your 
forgiveness in installments. Don't let's talk any more 
now for fear we shall quarrel again. Come to the draw- 
ing-room! 

Harry. Stella! 

Stella. Harry, you distress me! 

Harry. You ask me to come to the drawing room to 
see that man making love to you when you know that 
you are breaking my heart. 

Stella. I don't know it. I never knew (Sits l.) 

Harry. You never knew! Not when we were chil- 
dren? 

Stella. No. 

Harry. (Back of settee l.) Not when we grew older 
and were almost inseparable, and v/hen at school wrote 
to each other every Vv'^eek? 

Stella. Ah, but that's different. 

Harry. And didn't you even guess down here the year 
before last from what I said to you in the orchard? 

Stella. I never thought that you were serious. 

Harry. (Sits r. of Stella) I was too serious. And 
you were, too — tell me, did you never feel any love for 



me 



Stella. I don't know — I don't think so, or I couldn't 
have cared for anyone else. I have always thought you 
my very dearest friend. If I married you I should lose 
a dear friend — I almost feel as if I had lost one now. 

Harry. If you had not met this — Mr. Wilding, do you 
think you would have loved me? 

Stella. (Crosses to r. c.) How can I say? 

Harry. (Slight pause) would you still love him if 
you learned that he is utterly unworthy of you? 

Stella. That is impossible! 



CAPTAIN SWIFT. 41 

Haery. Try and suppose it. 

Stella. I'd rather not. I'd rather not speak of it. 
I must go to the drawing room — (going up c.) if you 
will not come. {Going to l. up c. r.) 

Harry, (c.) I will tell you. You would not love 
him. You don't really love him now, but he has fas- 
cinated you with his romance, his melancholy, his ad- 
ventures 

Stella. Harry, we have surely been friends too long 
to become enemies now. {Gets r. ) 

Harry. {Follows Stella) EnemJes! No — I will al- 
ways love you, Stella. 

Stella, (r.) But you insult someone I care for. 

Harry, (c.) Yes. I can't help hating him — but I 
needn't have insulted him. I am sorry. 

Stella. But you have not told him so. 

Harry. What! You would have me 

Stella. Wouldn't it be manly? 

Harry. It is impossible. {Crosses r.) 

{Enter Wilding c. from l.) 

Wild. I beg your pardon. 

Stella, (r. c.) Mr. Wilding, you and Harry must 
both feel that you have something to regret. 

Wild. (l. c.) I assure you that no one can regret 
more than I 

Harry, (r.) Excuse me. The blame rests entirely 
with me. I insulted Mr. Wilding this morning for the 
absurd reason that I am unable to feel any friendship 
for him. 

Wild. That is my chief cause for regret 

Harry. Being in the v/rong I — I wish to say — {look- 
ing at Stella) that — I am sorry. 

{Exit R. 1st.) 

Stella (c.) You see, he is a good fellow after all; 
you mustn't dislike him. 

Wild, (l.) I don't dislike him, I admire him. I was 
unable to rest in the drawing room without you. 

Stella. Why? 

Wild. I seem afraid of losing you. 

Stella. Oh — you will not lose me. 

Wild. I wish I could feel sure of that. But such hap- 
piness seems too good for me — and — and 

Stella, Yes ? 

Wild. Barriers seera already to be rising between us. 



42 CAPTAIN SWIFT. 

Stella. What do you mean? I'm sure my guardian 
likes you — besides, he would deny me nothing. 

Wild. I was not thinking of your guardian. 

Stella. You mean? 

Wild. Yes, I mean Mrs. Seabrook. 

Stella. It is strange, but I, too, have fancied that 
she is just a little opposed to our engagement. What 
can be the reason? 

Wild. (Half to himself) I cannot guess. I wish 
I could, otherwise she is so good to me. And yet I can't 
help feeling — (Crosses r.) that if you and I should be 
parted it will be through her. (Sits r. on settee) 

Stella. (Standing) Please don't be so gloomy. I 
am sure we will not be parted; perhaps Auntie — with 
a proper sense of English propriety — thinks we have not 
known each other long enough yet. 

Wild. Perhaps she feels that I am not worthy of you. 

Stella. Impossible to feel that. 

Wild. Then you trust me? 

Stella. If I did not trust you so entirely I could not 
love you. 

Wild. (Absently) Yes. 

Stella. Now you needn't be gloomy any more. 

(Gets around to e. of Mm, sitting on his r. at end of 
couch) 

Wild. Not if you assure me that nothing can part us. 
Stella. Nothing shall part us. 

Wild. And if your aunt persists in her opposition? 
Stella. But she can't. 
Wild. Why? 

Stella. Well, doesn't it stand to reason that the more 
she knows of you, the more she will like you. 

(Music. Wilding rises.) 

Wild. (Pause — looks at her) Er — yes. (Smiles) 
Stella. But you are convinced? 

(He kneels on ottoman) 

Wild. I shall only be quite happy when we are mar- 
ried. If you will let me press for an early day. 
Stella. Not too soon. (Is seated) 

(Wilding takes her two hands) 



CAPTAIN SWIFT. 43 

Wild. I mean very soon. 

(Stella rises) 

Would that be making too great a claim on your con- 
fidence? 

Stella. Promise me in return that we shall travel 
for a year. 

(They walk together to c.) 

Oh, I long to have some adventures — to see all the 
queer things you have seen — kangaroos — wambats — 
opossums — and the lions and the tigers 

Wild. Well, er 

Stella. Not lions? 

Wild. I'm afraid I can't promise you lions. 

Stella. And those strange men the miners almost 
turned to savages — and, yes — I think I would even like 
to meet a bushranger. 

(Wild, starts.) 

But only, if you were with me, of course. 

Wild. Of course, — Yes, I promise. 

Stella. Yes — we will go to the scene of your adven- 
tures — we will go to Queensland. 

Wild. No, we will not go to Queensland, not to 
Queensland. 

(^Exeunt c. to l.) 

(Music stops. Enter Gardiner and Mr. Seabrook 2 
E. D. Gardiner puts Seabrook on settee l.) 

Mr. S. I regret very much to say, Gardiner, that 
I'm becoming suspicious. 

Gard. Suspicious, sir! of whom? 

(Brings chair to r. of Mr. Seabrook.) 

Mr. S. Of mankind and the world in general. The 
thought of becoming suspicious in my old age gives me 
great uneasiness. 

Gard. What can be the cause of the attack? 

Mr. S. Heaven knows. 

Gard. When did it come on? 

Mr. S. To-day, after lunch, when our friend Wilding, 
pounced upon me with an offer for my niece's hand. 



4:4: CAPTAIN SWIFT. 

Gaed. (Aside) This must be stopped. (Aloud) 
Have you given any reply to Wilding yet? 

Mr. S. No; I have promised to do so to-morrov/. 

Gard. (Aside) To-morrow! 

Mr. S. I have no idea what I am to say. But I must 
confess, Gardiner, he is a good fellow — and a gentleman 
— I like him. 

Gard. So do I — to a certain extent. 

Mr. S. Now you know when my suspicions began. 
I'll confess still further — you'll think me ridiculous — 
but they extend even to you. 

Gard. To me? 

(Gardiner rises and puts hack chair, coming down to 
R. c.) 

Mr. S. Forgive me, but it's true. By the way you 
carefully conducted me here from the drawing room — 
not in a casual way, it seemed to me, but with a certain 
amount of method and delibei"ation. (Goes l. c.) 

Gard. I'm caught! 

Mr. S. I noticed, too, that before leading me away, 
you held an animated conversation with Mabel in a 
corner. You see I'm getting on; becoming quite an ac- 
complished spy. Isn't it dreadful, eh? (looks closely at 
Gardiner, loith his glasses on) Now, I notice that 
you've changed colour. Yesterday you might have re- 
mained the colour of a boiled lobster for hours without 
my noticing it. And now — it's very distressing — a 
healthy flow of blood to the face— and I suspect you. 

Gard. You have my sympathy. 

Mr. S. Of course my suspicions are groundless? 

Gard. What direction do they take? 

(Enter Mabel u. e. l.) 

Mr. S. 'Pon my word, I can't say — that is — er 

Gard. Do you suspect me of a desire to rob you? 

Mr. S. Well, I can't say that 

Mabel. (At hack c. Aside) I wonder has he said 
it yet. 

Mr. S. Still, I hope you'll remember that honesty's 
the best policy. (Going l.) 

Mabel. Oh, it can't be settled yet. I'm worth more 
discussion than that. 

Gard. Stay, one moment. (Sees Mabel and motions 
her not to come — aside to her) Go away. 

Mabel. I shan't. 



CAPTAIN SWIFT. 45 

Mr. S. (Seeing the action, Imt not suspecting the 
cause) Eh? 

Mabel. I should so like to hear. (Retires behind 
exotic) 

Gard. I say that I will be honest v^ath you. I did 
not propose to rob you — but, on the contrary to make 
you a present. 

Mr.. S. A present — that's nice of you. (Aside) I 
suspect more and more. 

Gard. You have a limited familj' — Iyvo. I wish to 
augment that number. 

Mr. S. Oh! 

Gard. By presenting you with another son. 

Me. S. (Groans, and sits l.) 

Gard. A poor enough creature — but mine own — in 
fact, myself. 

Mr. S. Ah! 

Mabel. Now I'm sure he's come to the point. 

Mr. S. Gardiner, Gardiner, my worst suspicions are 
confirmed. 

Gardiner. Your icorst suspicions! 

Mr. S. Yes! You disguise it with alluring sophistry 
— but yott — you meditate a robbery — my little treasure — 
my Mabel. I suspected your design — I expected this loss 
— but — (overcome) it seems to me that what we expect 
is the very thing — for which we are always least pre- 
pared. (Rises.) 

Mabel. I can't bear this — I wish I hadn't come. 

Gard. Mr. Seabrook — (Gets a little to c. r.) 

Mr. S. There, there — of course, I don't blame you — 
but 

(Mabel running forward and throiving her arms round 
Mr. S.) 

Mabel. Papa — what is this? I'm sure Mr. Gardiner 
has been saying some horrid things to you. 

Mr. S. Yes, and I daresay he's been saying the same 
horrid things to you, dear. 

Mabel. Come away — you shan't listen any more. I 
thought George — I mean Mr. Gardiner — had more good 
feeling. 

Gard. Oh! 

Mr. S. (Going) Oh, he's a hardened rufEan, dear. 
You rescued me in the nick of time. 

(Mabel looks lack at Gardiner and kisses her hand as 
she exits with Mr. S.) 



46 CAPTAIN SWIFT. 

(Gardineb sinking into settee l.) 

, Gard. What a lucky devil I am. I've accomplished 
in five days what I came back to England for. This 
Wilding business is the only trouble left. I'm afraid I've 
not acted properly. I ought to have warned him off 
at once — but, hang it, I never suspected that he would 
play such a bold game — that Stella would fall in love 
with him, and that he would propose to marry her. I've 
let myself into a hole — and I don't see well how to get 
out of it. Suppose I say to him, Wilding, my friend, the 
game's up — you must go, I know you. He denies it and 
asks for proofs. Hang it, I can't say I know you by your 
voice — by your demeanour under certain references I 
have cunningly made, and by my inner convictions. He 
would laugh — he might even be rude enough to say 
" damn your inner convictions! " Yet he must be got 
rid of — and quietly, for the sake of the family — our 
family 

(Enter Marshall l. 1 e.) 

Bring me some brandy and soda. 

Marsh. Yes, sir. There is a gentleman called to see 
you — from London, sir — Mrs. Seabrook told me to bring 
him in here. 

Gard. Bring him in then. (Aside) Who the deuce 
can this be? 

(Marshall brings in Ryan) 

MA.RSH. Mr. Ryan! 

Gard. Ryan! Ryan! I don't know him. You wish 
to see me? 

Ryan, (c.) Yes, sir. Came down from London on 
purpose. 

Gard. Take a seat, Mr. Ryan. 

(Gardiner sits r. c.) 

Ryan. After you. Thank you. (Looks at watch) 
There's an up-train at 10:30 which I must catch. My 
time's precious. 

Gard. Good! Mine is not without value. What can 
I do for you? 

Ryan. (Taking out pocket hook) You are Mr. Gardi- 
ner, owner of Marylands Station, Queensland? 

Gard. True— and you have lately been in the tropics, 



CAPTAIN SWIFT. 47 

you have lived in the colonies, are of business-like habits 
and accustomed to interviewing strangers. 

Ryan. You are evidently a close observer, sir. I'm 
glad of it for perhaps you may have observed what sort 
of a man Captain Swift was when he stuck you up on 
Dingo Flat? 

Card. Captain Swift! 

Ryan. Yes, the bushranger. 

Card. Then you are ,.. ^ , t3 ^f 

Ryan (Gives card) Exactly— Michael Ryan— of 
Queensland, Detective. 

(Goes up, takes chair and brings it down l. c, sits.) 

Gard. (Aside) Great heavens! Here's a pretty mess 
—give him up and what a scandal for the family! Hon- 
oured guest, engaged to the niece. And for him penal 
servitude for life, perhaps. 

Ryan (Note-hook in hand— aside) What s all tnisr 
Looks as if he knows something. I'm waiting for your 
description. . , 

Gard I'm trying to remember something remarkable 

about the man. The only thing I can think of was 

(r. of Ryan.) 

Ryan. (Eagerly) Yes. 

Gard. He wore a mask. (Sits r. c.) ^ ^. , ,. 

Ryan. Oh! That's not valuable. He probably doesn t 
wear it over here. 

Gard. Here? ^. . ., ^ .„ 

Ryan. Yes. I must tell you I am acting in the in- 
terests of the Queensland National Bank. Swift, as you 
of course know, broke into one of. their country branches 
and frightening the manager out of his wits got away 
with a large sum. 

RyIn Swift, after that, entirely disappeared— nobody 
heard anything of him. Nobody knew who he really 
^as — People supposed him dead. 

Gard. Very likely he is. , ^ ^ i 

Ryan. But some of the money he took has turned 

up. 

Gard. Ah! 

Ryan. In London. 

Gard. That doesn't prove he is here. 

RyIn No, but it's a clue, and I've come over to fol- 
low^t Looking over the Passenger List in the Orient 
Co 's office, ? saw your name, and remembering the Dingo 



48 CAPTAIN SWIFT. 

Plat affair, I've taken the liberty of hunting you up. 
(Rises) 

Gard. Well, I'm sorry you've wasted your time. I 
can't help you in the least. 

Ryan. You can remember nothing about the man that 
would be useful to me. (Puts chair back and comes 
cloion L. c.) 

Gard. Absolutely nothing. It was a dark night, and, 
as I told you, he wore a mask. (Doivn r.) 

(Enter Marshall with cellar ette l. u, e.) 

Ryan. Confound him, he aUvays did in business 
hours. I'm very sorry you can't help me, • I would 
willingly pay £500 to anyone who could help me to 
capture the fellow — But I have so little description of 
him to go upon — only one or two things the Bank man- 
ager noticed when he was being tied up. (Reads from 
note-book) Captain Sv^ift — tall — thin — a scar across the 
left arm 

Marsh. Oh — (At table makes noise tvith coffee cup) 

Ryan. Well — what's the matter? 

Marsh, Nothing — only a slight swimming in the 
head. 

Ry'an. Subject to that sort of thing? 

Marsh. Yes, sir. I have been, very. 

Gard. (To Marshall) You may go. Stay — you have 
finished with me, Mr. Ryan? 

Ryan. Yes. And sorry to have troubled you for noth- 
ing. 

Gard. (To Marshall) You may show the gentleman 
out. (To Ryan) Good evening. 

Ryan. (Going) Good evening! 

Gard. I hope you will let us know how you pro- 
ceed. 

Ryan. I will make a point of it. 

Gard. I must see Wilding and warn him. 

(Gardiner goes up, Ryan to l. c, Marshall drops down 
on his L.) 

Marsh. (Going tvith Ryan — aside) Give me your 
address in town? 

Ryan. What tor? 

Marsh. I want to speak to you about — a friend of 
mine in Queensland. 

Ryan. There. (Hands card, crosses in front of Mar- 
shall) 



CAPTAIN SWIFT. 



49 



(Enter Wilding l. 1 e.— Tie and Ryan pause and look 
at each other. Wilding x)cisses on to r. c.) 

Ryan. (To Marshall) Who's that? 
Marsh. A great man, that; I'll tell you when I see 
you in town. 

(Exeunt both l. 1 e) 

(Gardiner comes down.) 

Wild. Well, G-ardiner — you haven't congratulated me. 

Gard. No; the fact is, my mind has been occupied 
with other things. 

Wild. Yes. 

Gard. Particularly with Captain Swift. 

Wild. The time has come, Gardiner, when I must 
ask you for an explanation on that subject. 

Gard. An explanation? 

Wild. Yes. You never hold a minute's conversation 
with me without referring to Captain Swift. It can't 
be accident — it must be design. I want to know your 
object. 

Gard. Really, my dear Wilding 

Wild. Is it that you think I know something of the 
man, or had some connection with him? Is your object 
to insult me, to annoy me, or to bore me? (Sits r. of 
R. table.) 

Gard. Neither, I assure you. (Sits l. of r. table) 

Wild. Then let us drop the subject for good. 

Gard. I wish I could — but I can't. Swift's on my 
mind, and I can't get him off. 

(Wilding drinks.) 

Wild. The man's dead! 

Gard. You're mistaken. 

Wild. I tell you he's dead. Let's drink to his mem- 
ory. 

Gard. But he's very much alive. He is no more dead 
than you are. Had you, yourself seen him die I should 
say you were mistaken. If you were to tell me that the 
man, Marshall, whom you saw^ die of thirst in Queens- 
land, was none ot'ier than Captain Swift 

Wild. Gardiner! 

Gard. Well? (Pause) 

Wild. Ha! Ha! What a splendid imagination! You 
are wasted in the bush, my friend — (drinks) You 



50 CAPTAIN SWIFT. 

should remain in London and write novels. (Rises c.) 

Gakd. I was going to say that if you told me that — 
I should still say you were mistaken. I should say that 
if anyone died of thirst up Queensland it was not Mar- 
shall or Swift, not the man who — appropriated my black 
horse — not the man who once held a pistol to my head. 

Wild. (Aside) What a damned fool he was not to 
shoot. 

Gard. No; for Swift certainly escaped the country 
and came to England. 

Wild. (Aside) To England (Rises and crosses c.) 
He can't frighten me now — (Aloud) Your theory is in- 
genious, but a little wild. Why should he come to Eng- 
land of all places? 

Gard. Because being an uncommon man he would 
adopt an uncommon course. lie might conceive the idea 
of hiding a desperate past in English society. He 
might even think of still further cloaking his early 
career by marrying into a good family. 

Wild. (Grossing to Gard.) Splendid! An admirable 
plot — worthy of Dumas. And would our adventurer suc- 
ceed in your charming story? 

Gard. (Rising) No! 

Wild. No? 

Gard. No, he would fail in the end. 

Wild. He would fail. There would be, I suppose, 
some highly virtuous but equally clever and intrepid 
person who would outwit and expose him? 

Gard. No, quite unnecessary. Ordinary circum- 
stances will do for Swift. The persistency of a robbed 
banking establishment, and the investigations of an in- 
dustrious detective will suffice. 

Wild. That is satisfactory to know. 

Gard. (Follows Wild, l.) The adventurer generally 
brings about his own fate, Wilding. There is always one 
last grand chance — one big effort — one great wave of 
luck that v/ill land him high and dry. So he swims 
into the wave and it bears him off towards the shore. 
He's full of hope and delight as he gets nearer and 
nearer, and he never sees the fatal rocks beneath the 
water until he's dashed against them, and down he goes, 
poor devil, for good. 

Wild. What an entertaining companion you are, old 
fellow. 

Gard. And that will be Swift's fate if he won't be 
warned. The detective who was here just now 

(Wilding starts.) 



CAPTAIN SWIFT. 51 

Gard. a fact, I assure you. The man who just left 
is a Queensland detective, come over after Swift. 

Wild. (Aside) Liar! 

Gard. And he will certainly get him if he remains 
in England. He came to see if I could give him any in- 
formation. 

Wild. And you gave him ? 

Gard. I gave him no information. Indeed, if I could 
see Swift I would warn him. 

Wild. (Rises) Why? (Looking up) 

Gard. Why? Because I think he has good stuff in 
him, and because he resisted two thousand pounds' worth 
of temptation to shoot me. I wish he could know that 
I am the best friend he has. 

(Wilding pauses, then walks aivay to l. c. Bus. Gardi- 
ner shrugs his shoulders and crosses r.) 

(Enter Mrs. Seabrook c. from l.) 

Gard. (Aside) He won't trust me. 

Mrs. S. Mr. Wilding, I must speak to you alone. 

(Gardiner exits.) 

Mrs. S. (c.) There! We are alone. It was neces- 
sary. 

Wild. (l. c.) How pale you are! Your hand trem- 
bles. Why? 

Mrs. S. You guess why I must speak to you? 

Wild. I am delighted — but no — I cannot guess. Un- 
less the necessity arise out of my engagement to Stella. 

Mrs. S. Your proposal to my niece. There can be 
no engagement. 

Wild. No engagement? 

Mrs. S. No. Such a marriage is impossible. 
(Crosses r. c. ) 

Wild. Impossible, why? (Takes a step to r. c.) Is 
it Mr. Seabrook who objects? 

Mrs. S. No. 

V/iLD. Who then? 

Mrs. S. It is I. 

Wild. You? 

Mrs. S. Yes, I. (Up c. again) And I have come to 
you now to ask of your great generosity — I know — I am 
sure, you are capable of it. Never did a woman need 
it more than I. I ask you to believe me when I say that 
I would far rather die to-night than that this marriage 
should take place. 



52 CAPTAIN SWIFT. 

Wild. You have been very kind to me, but you ask 
in return more than I can give. 

(Music.) 

Mrs. S. Don't say that — please don't say that! (Im- 
ploringly to him) 

Wild. I must — if you asked me to risk my life for 
you I would willingly do it. But this--is more than my 
life to me — my first, my only chance of happiness. It is 
the first time in my lonely life that the clouds have 
opened and a ray of sunshine has come through — a 
promise of something different — something good. I love 
Stella — it is the first time I have loved. She loves me — 
it is the first time I have been loved. 

(Mrs. S. turns to him.) 

I tell you I cannot give her up. (Aside) I dare not. 
(Crosses r.) 

(Music stops.) 

Mrs. S. (Aside) Every word is a knife to me. . . 
Come, sit down, let us talk quietly, reasonably. (Sinks 
on seat l.) 

Wild. (Brings chair forward and sits l. c.) Will- 
ingly. But you are agitated. 

Mrs. S. It is nothing. There, you see — I am perfectly 
calm. Your life has not been happy. My poor boy! 
Well, we may try and repair that! 

Wild. Strange! Very strange! 

Mrs. S. I suppose the life of a child— brought up 
among strangers can't be very happy. Were they kind 
to you? 

Wild. Why do you talk like this to me? 

Mrs. S. Because you are unhappy. Tell me — of your 
mother? You have thought of her sometimes and — per- 
haps not unkindly? (Touching his hand) 

Wild. This is cruel! You must know, Mrs. Seabrook, 
that the subject is most painful to me. I cannot speak 
of her. (Rises, crosses c, going up c.) 

Mrs. S. Stay! (Rises. I don't wish to be cruel to 
you — but all this concerns your proposal to my niece. 

(Vild. How? (Comes back a step.) 

Mrs. S. Let me have time — I will tell you. 

{She is much agitated and looks round ta see that they 
are alone.) 



CAPTAIN SWIFT. 53 

I knew your mother. 

Wild. You knew my mother? (Down r. c.) 

Mrs. S. Yes. I will tell you her story. 

(Music.) 

Wild. She knew my mother. 

(Mrs. S. goes up stage, loofcs round, and back to c.) 

Mrs. S. She was only a girl — and — and well — she 
would have been your father's wife, but he died — too 
soon. 

Wild. He died too soon. I understand 

Mrs. S. She would have been disgraced — ruined — but 
for a friend — a sister — who took her away — so that no 
one should know 

Wild. (His hack turned to Tier) So that no one 
should know. Go on! 

Mrs. S. Then when the child was born it was given 
to strangers to bring us — she herself did not know to 
whom, and it was provided for secretly. 

Wild. I know what became of the child. And the 
mother? (Turns his face to her) 

Mrs. S. You must forgive her. 

Wild. She lives? 

Mrs. S. Yes. And married a good man who loved her, 
and who never knew the truth. If he learned it now it 
would kill him. 

(Takes stage, a little to l.) 

Wild. Where is she? (Follotvs her) 

Mrs. S. You will forgive her? (Turns to him) 

Wild. Where is she? 

(Warning for Curtain.) 

Mrs. S. If you marry Stella the truth must appear. 
Wild. Tell me where she is. 

(Mrs. Q.— pause — duryil) business— finish kneeling — 
(Music stops.) 

Wild. My mother! 

Mrs. S. (On her knees) Ah, you hate me— you de- 
spise me — you cannot forgive me. This is my punish- 
ment— I deserve it. I launched you into the world a 



54: CAPTAIN SWIFT. 

waif — I denied you a mother's care, I disowned you— 
I put myself first in everything and now, when I claim 
you at last it is to ask a sacrifice from you. I am selfish 
to the end. Don't spare me. 

Wild. (Aside) Too late! 

Mrs. S. You have reason to hate your mother! Now 
is your time for vengeance. 

Wild. (Lifts her up) How could I hate you? You 
have been kind to me . 

Mrs. S. If you marry Stella my husband must learn 
the truth. 

Wild. I have told you I love her — I have no right to 
love. 

Mrs. S. My son — speak kindly to me — one word, only 
one word. 

Wild. You did not teach me how. (Crosses to l.) 

Mrs. S. Heaven help me! (Goes up c.) It Is just — 
it is just! 

(Exit Mrs. S. slowly c. r.) 

Wild. (About to follow her) Mother — my mother — 
my mother! I am alone again — alone again. Well, what 
am I to do now? Remain here and marry Stella, why 
not? This discovery makes my position all the more 
secure. What do I owe to my mother! — She — she — the 
air of this place is stifling me. 

(Song.) 

I cannot think. Better act without thinking. Better 
for whom? (Rings bell) Better for Stella. I began by 
trying to make her love me — I have ended by loving 
her — Strange! (Goes to writing table and writes.) 

(Enter Bates u. e. l.) 

Bates. Did you ring, sir? 

Wild. I am obliged to go up to town to-night; is there 
a train I can catch? 

Bates. The 10:30's passed, sir — but there's one at 
11:12. 

Wild. Then tell my servant to pack my portmanteau 
at once. And follow me to town by the first train in the 
morning. Don't mention it to anyone. I don't wish to 
disturb the family. You understand? And just bring 
my hat and coat! 

(Exit Bates u. e. l.) 



CAPTAIN SWIFT. 55 

Wild. (Having silently read what he has written — 
with the letter in his hands with action conveying that 
he is uncertain whether to destroy it or not) Have I 
done right? No — let it go. 

{Re-enter Bates with hat and coat. He helps Wild- 
ing on with coat) 

Wild. (To Bates) Take this letter to— I want you 
to give this letter to Mr. Seabrook when I have gone. 

(Enter Gardiner c. from l.) 

Gard. (Coming down c.) Are you going, Wilding? 
Wild. Yes. I'm called to town on important busi- 
ness (Signs Bates off) 

(Exit Bates l. u. e.) 

(Handing letter to Gardiner) Perhaps you wouldn't 
mind giving this letter to Mr. Seabrook. 

Gard. Not at all. (Takes letter — crosses r.) I'm 
sorry you're obliged to go, old fellow, but — by the way, 
let me give you my London address? (Takes out card 
case) Here is my card if I can be of any service to you 
at any time. (Offers card under lamp) One never 
knows — you understand? 

Wild. (After slight hesitation) I understand — I've 
had a good time here, Gardiner — good-bye! 

(Exit c. to l.) 

(Song ceases.) 

Gard. (Looking after him) Poor devil! I wonder 
what lie he's told now. (Tapping the letter) 

(Enter Seabrook crosses up r.) 

Mr. S. Wilding! Wilding! Oh, it's you, Gardiner! 
That fellow Wilding, it seems has been talking to my 
wife for some time. They've had quite a scene, and now 
she is in a highly nervous state. She refuses to tell me 
what it's all about. 

(Enter Stella c. from l., down L.) 

Where is Wilding, Stella, do you know? 



56 CAPTAIN SWIFT.r;^ 



Stell 


A. No. 




Gard. 


Mr. 


Wilding has 


gone? 


Mr. S. 


) 






& 


) 


Gone! 




Stella. 


) 






Gard. 


Yes. 







(Enter Mrs. S. c. from l.) 

Mrs. S. What has happened? 

Stella. Mr. Wilding has gone? 

Mrs. S. Gone! 

Gard. (To-Mr. S.) He asked me to give you this 
letter! (Hands letter to Mr. S.) 

Mr. S. This may explain what has happened. 

Mrs. S. That letter — (To Seabrook who has opened 
the letter) James, let me read it for you? 

Mr. S. No, thank you, I can see quite well. 
(Music. Mrs. S. stands as if frozen to stone.) 

(Reads) Dear Mr. Seabrook — you will naturally ex- 
pect some explanation of my sudden departure from your 
house in which I have received so much kindness. I 
had the audacity to propose for your niece's hand — but 
Mrs. Seabrook has told me 

Mrs. S. (Goes up c, agitated) Oh, my God — he has 
told him! James! 

Mr. S. (Reads) But Mrs. Seabrook has told me — 
that which I should have known before I made the pro- 
posal — that — that — I am unworthy to marry your niece. 

Mrs. S. Thank heaven! (With a sigh of relief) 

(Movement.) 



ACT IV. 

Scene — Gardiner's chambers. 

(Gardiner and Harry discovered.) 

Gard. (r. of tahle l.) You're not a very cheerful 
visitor this evening, old fellow. What's wrong with 
you? 

Harry, (l. of tahle l.) Oh, I'm all right. Only it 
was a little dull at Fernshawe Park after you. left. I 
had a week of " the blues " and as we only returned to 



PAPTAIN SWIFT. 57 

town, this morning perhaps I've not quite recovered yet. 

Gar. a lame excuse, my boy. The fact is there's 
something on your mind. 

Harry. Nonsense. 

Gar. Come, now, why don't you be frank with me. 
You know I'm to be your brother before long. 

Harry. Yes. I know the governor's consented and 
all that sore of thing. Oh, by the by, I've a note for 
3^ou somewhere from Mabel. (Searching his pockets) 

Gar. {Starting up) Oh, you have! Then why the 
devil didn't you give it to me before? 
' Harry {Still searching pockets) Didn't think of it. 

Gar. If you've lost it you won't leave this room alive. 

Harry. I wouldn't mind that much. Here it is. 
{Goes up L., crosses to window r.) 

(Gar. takes letter and comes down.) 

{Aside) Happy devil! 

Gar. {Opening letter, aside) The little English 
flower I'm going to transplant to the bush. {Reads) 
"My dear George" — {Looks up) My dear George 
— I've often been addressed " My dear George " — yet 
I've never valued the circumstance before. " I am so 
glad to get back to London. I've been wanting to return 
ever since you left Fernshawe. I hope you will call in 
the morning." I will. " Papa is very serious — but I 
think he's getting reconciled since he gave his consent. 
As for naming the day as you suggest, it's quite im- 
possible. I couldn't think of leaving dear Papa and 
Mamma, and however much you press for an early day 
I couldn't have my frocks ready before the end of this 
month. Your very affectionate Mabel. P. S. Papa 
kissed me just now and said you were a cruel man. 
N. B. I thing Papa likes you." Dear old Papa! Harry, 
old fellow, I'll be your brother sooner than I hoped to 
be. 

Harry. (Indifferently) That's all right, {crosses 
L.) 

Gar. You don't seem to welcome the prospect very 
heartily. 

Harry. T^es, itideed I do— only 

Gar. Oh! I see! You can't be enthusiastic because 
your own love affairs haven't gone quite smoothly. 

Harry. I suppose you are right as usual. I'm. a 
selfish beggar you see. 

i" Gar. All men in love are serfish. Come, now;, tell me 
the trouble. 



58 CAPTAIN SWIFT. 

Harry. That man — Wilding is on my mind still. 

Gar. (Aside) And on mine too. 

Harry. You see Stella was quite fascinated by him. 
He's a dangerous fellow. Why, even my mother — who 
never cares for anyone — out of her own family — seemed 
to like him and was upset when he left. I'd give a good 
deal to know that he was safe out of the v/ay. 

Gar. (Aside) So would I. 

Harry. I'm so afraid Stella wil not be able to forget 
him. 

Gar. And you want her to forget? 

Harry. Well, of course I do — because — I want her 
to be happy again. 

Gar. No other reason, old fellow? 

Harry. Yes — I don't mind your knowing, and I'm not 
ashamed of it — because I love her more than ever. 
There! I'm making a fool of myself. (Goes l. c.) 

Gar. I like such fools! And you're not without 
hope? 

Harry. I don't encourage hope. I try not to think 
of it. But I'm strong enough to wait. 

Gar. Good. I like that. In the end you'll succeed. 

Harry. You think so? 

Gar. I'm sure of it, only wait and hope. 

Harry. But this Wilding 

Gar. I don't think he'll trouble you again. 

Harry. But tell me about him. Who is he? 

Gar. I'd rather not talk about him. 

Harry. Because in your heart you like him. 

Gar. Well there may be some truth in that. At 
least I pity him. Let's talk of something else. (Goes 
B.) 

Harry, (c.) All right, if you wish it. (Crosses to 
mantelpiece l.) But I'd like to know. 

(Enter Serv. l.) 

Serv. Mr. Ryan (Gardiner crosses and sit b.) 

(Enter Ryan and Marshall l.) 

(Ryan puts hat on table up b.) 

(Exit Servant L.) 

Gar. Ryan! 

Ryan. You'll forgive the intrusion I hope, sir, but 
J must see you. 



CAPTAIN SWIFT. 69 

Gar. On what business? 

Ryan. On the business of Wilding — alias " Captain 
Swift." 

HarrT. Wilding — Captain Swift. 

Mar. Yes, sir. The fine gentleman you entertained 
at your house, and on whose account I was discharged 
was Captain Swift; the bushranger — a common colonial 
criminal! 

Harry. Good God! And do my people know this? 

Ryan. Your father knows, for we've just seen him 
at your house where we went to make enquiries. (Up 
stage to window r.) 

(Gard. to c.) 

Mar. Miss Darbisher was with him and heard the 
good news at the same time. 

Harry. Gardiner (Crosses c. to Gar.) I must go 
home. This will have upset them all at home terribly. 
(Going up l. c.) 

Mar. You see, sir, I was right. I haven't got it on 
my conscience that I didn't warn you. 

Harry. Kindly let me pass. 

Mar. Certainly, sir. (Steps hack, Harry crosses 
him) But in the best families they don't invite common 
adventurers 

Harry. (At door l.) If you ever dare address me 
again I'll beat you to a jelly. 

(Exit L.) 

Mar. (Aside) Cub! 

Gar. (r. c. Looking at Jiis tvatcli) I can spare 
you just one minute and a half, Mr. Ryan. 

Ryan. (l. of Gardiner) Thank you. I'll try and 
make that do. I have reason to believe that this man 
Wilding looks upon you as a friend. 

Gar. I'm sure I don't know how he looks upon me. 

Mar. (Doivn-L.) You were always very friendly with 
him at Fernshawe. 

Gar. Why is ihis man with you? 

Ryan. He's given me important assistance. 

Mar. I have a substantial interest in the capture of 
Wilding. 

Gar. That is not a sufficient reason for your ob- 
noxious presence here. 

Mar. Excuse me, sir, but I'm here because I'm help- 
ing to hunt down the man I hate — and I mean to hunt 
him till I see him in irons. 



(50 CAPTAIN SWIFT. 

Gaed. (Sitting) Go! 

Ryan. (Crosses to Marshall. Aside) Yes, go — ■ 
and wait for me aownstairs. 

Mar. Excuse me (Pushes Ryan aside, who goes up 
sage. Marshall crosses to Gardiner) I'm not your 
servant and I decline to take your orders. 

Gar. (Rising) Go! 

Mar. (Cowed, makes for the door — business — aside) 
Certainly sir. Colonial upstart! 

(Exit Mar. l.) 

Gar. (Sitting) Now, Mr. Ryan. 

Ryan. (l. of Gardiner) I've come to see if you can 
give me any information as to the whereabouts of this 
man. 

Gar. How do you know that Wilding is Swift? 

Ryan. From information received from the servant 
Marshall. Marshall came to town from Fernshawe by 
tlij same train, but Wilding slipped him. However, I 
have reasons for knowing that he's still in London, and I 
mean to have him. Has he been to see you? (Pocket 
hook in hand) 

Gar. He has not. 

Ryan. Excuse me — has he written to you? 

Gar. No. 

Ryan. Have you written to him? 

Gar. No. 

Ryan. Do you know where he is? 

Gar. No. 

Ryan. Do you know anyone who is in communication 
with him? 

Gar. No. 

Ryan. (Close pocket hook and takes stage to l.) 
Thank you sir — that will do. 

Gar. Do you care for my opinion? 

Ryan, (c.) Yes, certainly. 

Gar. It is that Wilding has got far away from Eng- 
land by this time. 

Ryan. I don't think he could. 

Gar. He got away from Australia. 

Ryan. True. Do you think he's likely to pay you a 
visit here? 

Gar. 'Pon my word I've not thought about it at all. 

Ryan. Did you invite him to do so before you left 
Fernshawe? 

Gar. (Crosses to l.) Really, Mr. Ryan, I think 
you're presuming a little too much on my good nature. 



CAPTAIN SWIFT. 61 

Ryan. (r. Aside) Ah, he did. I must watch. 
(c.) If he comes to you will you kindly let me know? 

Gar. I will. (Ryan goes up e., takes hat and crosses 
h. to door. Aside) A month or two later. Good 
evening. 

Ryan. Good evening, sir, and thank you. 

(Exit L.) 
Gab. For nothing. I'm afraid that poor fellow's lost. 
Ryan wouldn't believe him to be in London without 
good reason. Why hasn't he got away? He's clever 
enough to have escaped a dozen Ryans if he exerted 
himself. A little of my money — which he's welcome to, 
poor devil, whenever he likes — and a little of his own 
cleverness and he might be safe away in no time. But 
I'm afraid he won't exert himself. When he left Fern- 
shawe that night just a week ago he seemed utterly 
changed. All the old dare-devilry had vanished. I 
think he must have really loved Stella after all. (Sits 
R- of table) It's a wonderful thing — this love — - 

(Takes up Mabel's Utter caressingly.). 

A wonderful thing. My dear George — (Crosses r.) 

(Enter Seabrook and Stella, l., shotvn in hy Ser.) 

Mb. S. Gardiner! 

Gar, Mr.' Seabrook! (Meet up c. — Mr. S. crosses 
down L.) How do you do. Miss Darbisher. 

(They shake hands.) 

How good of you to look me up in my den. 

(jGABPtNER R., Stella l. c, Mr. Seabrook sits l. of l. 
table.) 

Mr, S. Not good of us at all, I assure you. We've 
come in search of assistance, 

Stella, Oh, Mr. Gardiner, you will help me, won't 
you ? 

Gar. Try me. 

Stella. I want to save someone who — who — you un- 
derstand — was once a friend. 

Gar. (Aside) Whew! She knows. 

Stella. (Advances to Gard.) Someone whom I — I 
cared for — once until I knew that — until I knew 



G2 CAPTAIN SWIFT. 

Gar. I understand. 

Stella. That's all over now. But because I cared for 
him once I want to help him. He's in trouble — in dan- 
ger perhaps — on account of his past life. I want him 
to escape the danger. Think how dreadful it would 
be for me — for us all who have known him and 
liked him to know that he is suffering a great punish- 
ment. He told me his life had been unhappy — I think 
he has not had the advantages we have had, and per- 
haps his temptations to sin have been greater. 

Gar. I think they have. (Knock ready) 

Stella. It is said money can accomplish anj'^thing. 
\ am rich. Let my money buy his liberty and open up 
a new and better life for him. Can you do this? 

Mr. S. Stella dear, let me talk this over for a few 
minutes with Gardiner! 

Stella. Yes. Try and arrange some plan for me. 
Can you do this? {To Gardiner) Shall I wait here? 
{Pointing up) 

Gar. Certainly. {Goes up with Stella) In this 
room. 

Stella. I rely upon you. 

{Exit Stella c.) 

(Gardiner comes down.) 

« 

Mr. S. {Sits L. c.) Gardiner, Gardiner this is an ex- 
cessively painful business. At the same time my niece — ■ 
who is apt to let her big heart run away with her — 
must not be permitted to compromise herself in her 
anxiety to do a good action. Pray convince Stella how 
utterly unworthy Wilding is. 

Gar, {Aside) H'm — a pleasant task for me! I'll 
do my best. 

Mr. S. Thank you. One thing more. My wife is 
still ignorant of Wilding's identity with Captain Swift. 
I wish to guard her from the knowledge. For some 
time her nervous condition has given me considerable 
anxiety. Pray help me to conceal this exposure from 
her. 

Gar. Certainly I will. But stay!] 

Mr. S. Well? 

Gar. The detectives have been here. 

Mr. S. Well? 

Gar. Harry was here at the time and learned the 
truth. He left for home immediately. 

Mr. S. Good Heavens! If he sees his mother he will 



CAPTAIN BWIFT. 63 

tell her. He's so impetuous. I must return at once. 
Fortunately I've my brougham at the door. I'll come 
back for Stella. In the meantime persuade her to leave 
everything connected with poor Wilding entirely to us. 

(Exit Mr. S. u. e. l.) 

Gar. (Crosses to centre opening then comes doivn 
c.) Here's a nice business. I'm to persuade that gen- 
erous impulsive girl of the unworthiness of the man she 
still seems to love. Hang it, I don't feel old enough 
for the task. (Takes stage to r.) I'd rather meet Cap- 
tain Swift again on Dingo Flat than face that warm- 
hearted girl in the next room. I might have some or- 
iginal remark for Swift but for her. However, I must do 
it. (Goes up) I suppose when a man is going to 
marry into a family he must accept his share of the 
family responsibilities. 

(Exit c.) 
(Knock.) 
(Enter Wild.) 

Wild. Gardiner! Not here. I'll wait. (Looking 
through wincloiu. Pulls curtain quickly) That was a 
narrow escape (Then crosses to table l.) Brandy! 
Gardiner won't mind my helping myself. (Drinks) He 
seems pretty comfortable here. He's a happy man — rich 
— no great sins on his heart — going to marry the girl 
he loves, altogether comfortable — and highly respecta- 
ble. That's the essential thing to happiness — respecta- 
bility. I tasted it onc^ for a week — I lived in it — it 
breathed around me — I worshipped at its shrine. But 
I was never of it. I was mad to come over here. Bet- 
ter to endure hunger than smell the steam of the cook 
(r.) shop; better to have died in the bush than to have 
seen that girl — to have known that home — to have learnt 
that I have a mother. A little more brandy with the 
kind permission of respectability. 

(Enter Gar. c.) 

Gar. (Aside) I thought I heard (Comes down) 

Wilding! 

Wild. Gardiner! I'm a robber to the last, you see. 
But you forgave me the black horse, so perhaps you'll 
forgive me the brandy. 



G4: CAPTAIN SWIFT. 

Gar. Nonsense. (Oflers his hand) 

Wild. You wish to shake hands with me? 

Gar. We shook hands at Fernshawe. 

Wild. God bless — I won't bless you — a bushranger's 

blessing would be too droll — but — but (Finishes 

brandy) 

Gar. I wanted to see you. You know that Ryan and 
Marshall are after you? 

Wild. Yes, I do. 

Gar. Hush. 

Wild. Why? 

Gar. (Uneasily glancing up, aside) She must not 
know he is here. They've been here. 

Wild. I know. (Goes to loindow r.) 

Gar. You know? 

Wild. Yes, I've been on their track (Gomes down 
c.) The only way to escape a detective is to follow 
him. Oh, I've had a wonderful week. Last night I 
came to the end of my resources. I hadn't the cheek to 
claim my balance at the bank — I had £30,000 there — I 
could not go back to my lodgings — I hadn't a penny in 
my pocket — no supper — nothing to drink — nothing to 
smoke. 

(Gardiner points to tadle l., Wilding goes— takes cig- 
arette and smokes, then sits l. c.) 

Gar. (Aside) Poor devil! 

Wild. I wandered about the streets until somehow 
I found myself opposite that house. 

Gar. What house? 

Wild. Her house — I mean Mr. Seabrook's house. 
There were a good many lights — so I knew that they had 
come back. And I stood there watching a long time 
until one by one the lights went out, and at last when all 
was dark I fancied I saw someone sitting at a window. 

Gar. (Looking up stage for a moment) Only fancy. 

Wild. Yes — only fancy perhaps. Yet it made me 
feel less lonely. However, I haven't come here to sponge 
on you and to talk sentiment, but to ask you to deliver 
two messages for me. Will you? 

Gar. Certainly I will 

Wild. Listen. Tell Mrs. Seabrook that all the events 
connected with my visit to Fernshawe are sacred to 
me. Say just this — no one shall ever know. You un- 
derstand ? 

(Music.) 

Gab. Yes. 



CAPTAIN SWIFT. 65 

(Enter Stella c, sees Wilding, 'business.) 

Wild. And tell— that girl— Stella • 

(Pause.) 

Gar. Well? 

Wild, you — who know my wretched .)ast — tell her — 
what a damned scoundrel I am. 

(Knock ready.) 

Gar. I understanJ. 

Wild. No, no, you don't understand. I don't want her 
to think — that I ever really cared for her 

(He sees Stella. Gardiner falls back r.) 

Stella! 

(Recovers himself — business. Stella crosses to door l., 
pauses — returns and offers Wilding her hand. Busi- 
ness) 

(Exit Stella l.) 

(Stop music.) 

(Wilding stands looking after her.) 

Gar. Wilding! 

Wild. (Absorbed) Eh! 

Gar. You must rouse yourself! These men will cer- 
tainly take you if you don't make an effort! 

Wild. What do I care? I'm going "^ give myself up. 
(Crosses l.) 

Gar. This is madness. 

Wild. No, it's wisdom, believe me. I was born for 
reflection, not for action. My actions have always been 
bad — my reflections have often been good. When high 
walls restrain my actions my reflections will be exem- 
plary. 

Gar. And is this Captain Swiff 

Wild. No. (Crosses r.) Swift is dead. Something 
killed him. What was it? — you — the home at Fern- 
shawe, the touch of a woman's hand. 

(Knock.) 



06 CAPTAIN SWIFT. 

Gar. Hush, someone is coming. 

Wild. I fear no one now. Let them come. (To 
window B.) 

(Gardiner crosses. Enter Mrs. S. l.) 

Gar. Mrs. Seabrook. 

Mrs. S. Yes, Mr. Gardiner. I have come to you to 
learn the truth. They hide it from me at home. They 
cheat me in kindness but you will tell me — what trouble 
is — Mr. Wilding in? 

Gar. Mrs. Seabrook, it is impossible for me to 

(She follows Ms eyes and sees Wilding.) 

Mrs. S. Ah! he is here. (Crosses to c.) Let me 
speak with him alone. 

(Wilding comes down r.) 

Gard. Really Mrs. Seabrook! (c.) 

Mrs. S. You understand there is a secret — (l.) 

Gard. I understand. 

Mrs. S. I know I can trust you. 

(Pause — Gardiner realizes.) 

Gard. You may — always. (Aside) Heaven help 
them. 

(Exit l.) 
(Mrs. S. l. and Wilding, r., look at each other) 

Wild. You should not have come. You endanger 
your secret — which no one must ever know. 

Mrs. S. I came here to learn the truth. Everything 
is kept from me. In pity tell me the truth. 

Wild. You don't know then who I am? 

Mrs. S. Except that you are my son — no. Why aon't 
you speak? (By chair) 

Wild. For God's sake don't compel me to speak. You 
will learn it from lips of others. Leave me — and forget 
me. 

(Pause — Mrs. S. drags him down.) 

Mrs. S. Forget you — I am your mother. 



CAPTAIN SWIFT. 67 

Wild. When I permit myself to think of you it will 
be to remember that I — a common adventurer, received 
kindness at your hands, (Music) that I got into your 
house and went near to despoiling it. 

Mrs. S. (r. c.) No, my son — look ct me. I am your 
mother. Had I been a good mother, you might hesitate 
to tell me what you have done. But I too have sinned — 
and I too have suffered. My son — I have told you my 
sin — tell me yours. 

Wild. Go away from me — leave me — (Rises) You 
don't know who I am — you have others to love and care 
for — of me you will never hear again. I am Swift — the 
felon, the thief. 

(Warning for curtain, stand hy for lights down, 3 
knocks, ready pistol, ready to fire.) 

Mrs. S. (Rises) Oh! God— my son! what shall I 
do? You are in danger and I must help you. 

Wild. Where I am going I shall need no help. 
(Crosses l.) 

Mrs. S. Where are you going? 

Wild. To the Never Never Land. 

Mrs. S. (With awe) What do you mean? 

Wild. (Sits) I am going to give myself up. 

Mrs. S. No. no, you must not think of it. Your sins, 
whatever they may be, are mine — the result of my sel- 
fishness — my wickedness. You must not bear the pun- 
ishment alone — it is not just. You must escape. Don't 
you see it would kill me? See, I beg you on my knees, 
For the love of God save us both, save us both! (Mrs. 
S. kneels and is embraced hy Wilding.) 

Wild. (l. c.) Mother! Heaven help me! I could 
have loved you so. 

Mrs. S. My son, you will promise me? 

Wild. Yes, I promise. I will not be taken. 

(Enter Gar. c.) 

Gar. Forgive me, but time presses. Those men will 
return. 

Mrs. S. You will help him to escape? 

(Goes up to Gardiner r.) 
Gar. I will. 

(Mrs. S. moves towards door. Gardiner is looking 
through window.) 



08 CAPTAIN SWIFT. 

'Ah! the detective — Ryan! 

Mrs. S. You are lost. (Crosses to l. c.) 

Wild. No — I have promised you — I will not be 
taken 

Gar. I will manage Ryan, go in there. (Gardiner 
at c. holding curtain. Wilding goes up c. anrf comes 
clown again) 

Wild. (To Mrs. S.) Be brave, mother, remember 
your secret. I am the stranger you were kind to. Be 
brave. 

(Wilding goes up c. Takes Gardiner's hand,) 

I'm a useless devil, Gardiner and giving you a lot 
of trouble. 

Gar. You'll change all that. 
Wild. Yes, I'll change all that. 

{Exit c. through curtains. Gardiner locks door. Mrs. 
S. is L.) 

Gar. {Coming doivn) Don't be afraid. 

{Knock.) 

Mr. S. {Knocking outside) Gardiner! Gardiner! 

Mrs. S. My husband's voice! He mustn't find me 
here. {Crosses r.) 

Gar. Hush! he won't see you. Quick, hide behind 
that curtain. 

{Lights down. Turns down lamp — opens door. Enter 
Mr. S. Gardiner relocks door, l.) 

Mr. S. Gardiner, Gardiner. Marshall is below with 
two men. 

Gar. {Crosses to window) Heavens! the detectives 
have left the street — we are lost! 

Mr. S. Lost? 

Gar. Yes, Wilding is here. 

Mr. S. Wilding here? 

Gar. Yes, in that room. What is to be done? We 
cannot give him up. 

{A pause.) ' 

Mr. S. Yes, we must give him up. I would willingly 
have saved him if I could, but I will not allow you to 



CAPTAIN SWIFT. 69 

imperil your reputation, perhaps your safety, for his 
salvB. Qardiner, open the door. 

Gar. Impossible. 

Mr. S. Then I must — give me the key. 

Mrs. S. (Aside to Gardiner) The: 3 is only one 
chance. I will tell him all. 

Gar. No, no, for God's sake. 

{3 Knocks.) 

Mrs. S. Yes, I will, I say it is my life for his. 

(Pistol shot.) 

(Mrs, S. screams. The curtains open and Wilding en- 
ters one hand on his breast and in the other a pistol. 
He walks unsteadily r. c.) 

Wild. Hush, mother (In a whisper to Mrs. S.) I've 
kept my promise, mother — hush! 

(Falls dead.) 

(Knock. i.lR. S. starts towards Wilding, hut Gardiner 
restrains him.) 

Mb. S. Someone screamed, who was it? 
Gab. a woman who loved him. 

PICTURE. 

slow curtain. 



JUST PUBLISHED 

What Happened to Jones 

An Original Farce In Three Acts 
By GEORGE H. BROADHURST 



CAST OF CHARACTERS 

JONES, who travels for a hymn-hook house 

EBENEZER GOODLY, aprofessor of anatomy 

Al^TONY GOODLY, D.D., Bishop of Ballarat 

RICHARD HEATHERLY, engaged to Marjorie 

THOMAS HOLDER, a policeman 

WILLIAM BIGBEE, an inmate of the Sanitarium 

HENRY FULLER, superintendent of the Sanitarium 

MRS. GOODLY, Ebenezer's wife 

CISSY, Ehenezefs ward 

MARJORIE, ) 

MINERVA ) ^^^^^^^*'* daughters 

ALVINA STARLIGHT, Mr. Ooodly's sister 
HELMA, a servant 

SYNOPSIS OF SCENES 

I ACT 1. — Handsomely furnished room in home of 

Ebenezer Goodly. 
ACT 2.— The same. 
ACT 3.— The same. 

This is the jolliest sort of a farce, clean and sparkling all the way 
through. A professor of anatomy is lured to a prize fight and the 
police make a raid on the "mill." The professor escapes to his 
home, followed by Jones, a traveling salesman, who sells hymn 
books when he can and playing cards when he cannot. The police 
are on the trail, so Jones disguises himself by putting on a Bishop's 
garb, and a lot of funny complications ensue. The other funmakers 
are aided not°a little by an escaped lunatic. This celebrated farce 
has been a tremendous success for years on the professional stage mad 
is now published for the first time. 

PRICE, 50 CENTS 



JUST PUBLISHED 

The Great Successful College Play Entitled 

CUPID AT VASSAR 

A COMEDY DRAMA IN FOUR ACTS 

By OWEN DAVIS 

AUTHOR OF ''AT YALE" 

CAST OF CHARACTERS 

ToHii WiLLETT A Young Architect. 

Amos North Of North & Son, Bankers. 

Shiny A Lazy Darkey. 

Hank Gubbin The Hired Man. 

Mrs. Newion Of Great Falls, Vermont. 

Kate Her Daughter. 

Wanda Kate's Half-sister. 

Miss Page 

Sally Webb 

Matty Hart 

Alice Worth 

Patty Snow 

Helen Conway 

As many more college girls as are desired. 

SYNOPSIS 
Act I 
Scene, sitting-room of Kate's home in Vermont. (At the Old 
Home.) 

Act II 

Scene, Kate's room, in a senior double. (At Vassar.) 
Act III 
\ Scene, same set as Act T. with snow and winter backing and 
JDhristmas tree, etc. (Vacation Time.) 

' Act IV 

Scene, college campus at Vassar. (Graduation Day. The Daisy 
Chain.) 

This comedy is eminently suited to girls' schools and colleges, as it 
can be played by all females. There are only four male char- 
acters, two of which are eccentric parts, and all the male parts can 
be easily dressed by girls. The play has all college surroundings, 
and the last act contains the famous daisy chain which is so popular 
at girls' colleges. 

PRICEu 25 CENTS 



JUST PUBLISHED 

AT YALE 

A Comedy Drama of College Life in Three Actgf 

By OWEN DAVIS 



CAST OF CHARACTERS 

Dick Sheelet Yale '05. 

Mr. Clayton Randal Of New York. 

Jack Randal His son, Yale '05. 

Dave Burly. . „ Substitute on Yale Crew. 

Jim Tucker Captain of Yale Crew. 

JiMSEY A Telegraph Messenger Boy. 

Clancy A Prize-fighter. 

John Kennedy Coach Yale Crew. 

Frank Young Member of Yale Crew. 

Ed. Scott Friend of Dick and Member of Yalc 

Crew. 

Tom Haynes Member of Yale Crew. 

Robert Crosby Member of Yale Crew. 

Jepson Boatman. 

Pol 

Harry Wilson 

Will Taylor 

Mrs. Randal Jack's Mother, 

Dorothy Randal Her daughtei. 

Polly Burk A friend of Dorothy. 

Mame Brady A poor girl. 

SYNOPSIS OF SCENES 
ACT I.— Vanderbilt Hall, New Haven. 

'act II. — Scene 1. — A Boat House, Gales Ferry. 

Scene 2. — ^The Start. Gales Ferry Quarters. 
Scene 3. — The Race. Thames River. 

ACT III. — Exterior of Griswold Hotel, Eastern Point. New Lon* 
don. The night of the race. 

A Comedy Drama of American College Life in Three Acts, by Owen Davis. 
'. feis piece was played with tremendous success all over the United States by 
Paul Gilmore. Sixteen males, four females, four of the men being unimportant. 
This is a play with a distinct college settinu:, in which atliletics are prominent; 
just the kind of play that is wanted by nearly every hi-xh school and college con- 
templating putting on a play as part of their commencement exercises. There 
are pretty college girls, freshmen, a telearraph messenger boy, coaches, typical 
college boys, members of the crew, substitutes, etc. Any number of male? aiMj 
females can be used in the ensembles. Plays a full evening. 



SEND FOS? A NEW DBSCRIPTIVE CATALOOUB. 



{French's Standard Drama Continued from 2d page of Cover.) 



VOL. XLI. 
The Pirate's Legacy 
The Chari oal Burner 
Adelgitha 
Seuor Valiente 
Forest Rose 
Duke's Daughter 
Camilla's Husb?^^ 
Pure Gold 

VOL. XLIL 
Ticket ot Leave Man 
Fool's Revenge 
O'lNeil the Great 
Handy Andy 
Piraie of the Isles 
!• anchon 
Little Barefoot 
Wild Irish Girl 

VOL. XLIII. 
Pearl of Savoy 
Dead Heart 

Ten N ights in a Bar-room 
Dumb Boy of Manchester 
BelphegortheMounteb'k 
Cricket on the Hearth 
Printer's Devil 
Meg's Diversion 



:Cup 



VOL. XLIV. 

345 Drunkard's Doom 

346 Chimney Corner 

HI Fifteen Yearsof a Drunk- 

348 No 'Bhoroughfare f ard's 

349 Peep O' Day LLit'e 

350 Everybody's Friend 

351 Gen. Grant 

35-2 Kathleen Mavoi 
VOL. XLV, 

353 Nick Whiffles 

354 Fruits of the Wir 
35a Drunkard's Warning 

356 Temperance Doctor 

357 Aunt Dinah 

358 Widow Freeheart 

359 Frou Frou 

360 Long Strike 

VOL. XLVI. 

361 Larcers 
36-2 Lu. ille 

363 Randall's Thumb 

364 Wicked World 

365 Two Orphans 

366 Colleen Bawn 

367 'Twixt A.xe and Crown 

368 Lady Clancarthy 



VOL. XLVII. 

369 Saratoga 

370 Never Too Late to Ment' 

371 Lily of Franca 

372 Led Astray 

373 Henry V 

374 Unequal Match 

.75 Mny or Dolly's Delusion 
.■;76 AUatoona 

VOL. XLVIII. 

377 Enoch Arden 

378 Under the Gas Light 

379 Daniel Rochat 
38U Caste 

381 School 

382 Home 

383 David Garrick 

384 Ours 

VOL. XLIX. 

385 Social Glasf- 

386 Daniel Druce 

387 Two Roses 

388 Adrienne 

389 The Belli 

390 Uncle 

391 Courtship 

392 Not Such a fool 



VOL. L. 

393 Fine Feathers 

394 Prompter's Box 

395 Iron Master 

396 Engaged 
~" Pygmalion & Galateii 

3t(8 Leah 

399 Scrap of Paper 

400 Lost in London 
VOL. LL 

401 Octoroon 

40'2 Confederate Spy 

403 Kariner's Return 

404 Ruined by Drink 

405 Dreams 

406 M. P. 

407 War 

408 Birth 
" OL. LIL 

409 Nightingale 

410 Progress 

411 Play 

412 Midnight Charge 

413 Confidential Clerk 

414 Snowball 

415 Our Regimeuv 

416 Married for Money . 
Hamlet in Three AcU 
Guttle & Gulpit 



FRENCH'S INTERNATIONAL COPYRIGHTED EDITION 
OF THE WORKS OF THE BEST AUTHORS. 



The following very successful plays have just been issued at 25 cents per copy. 

THE BALLOON. Farcical comedy In 8 Acts by J. 
H. Darni.ey and Manvillb Fbnn. 6 male, 4 female 
characters. 

MISS ( LEOPATRA. Farce in 3 Acts by Arthur 
ShirlbV. 7 male, 3 female characters. 

SIX PERSONS. Comedy Act by I. ZanowiLi,. 
1 male, 1 female character. 

FASHIONABLE INTELLIGENCE. Comedi- 
etta in 1 Act by Percy Fkndall. 1 male, 1 female 
cha 'acter. 

HTOHLAND LEGACY. Comedy in 1 Act b^ 



A PAIR OF SPECTACLES. Comedy in 3 Acts 
by Sydney Grundy, author of "Sowing the Wind,' 
&c. i* male, 3 female characters. 

A FOOL'S PARADISE. An original play In 3 
Acts bv Sydnky Grumy, author of "Sowing the 
Wind,'' kc. 5 male, 4 female characters. 

THE SILVER SHIELD. An original comedy in 
3 Acts by Sydney Grundy, author of "Sowing the 
Wind," &c. 5 male, 3 female characters. 

THE GLASS OF FASHION". An original com- 
edy in 4 Acts by SYr\KV (iiiiNDV, author ol "Sowing 



the Wind," kc. 5 male. 5 female chara 



Brandon Thomas, anth.j 
6 male, 2 female characters. 



of 



' Charley's Aunt.' 



Contents of Catalogue which is sent Free. 



Amateur Drama 

Amateur Operas 

Articles Needed bv Amateurs 

Art of Scene Painting 

Baker's Reading Club 

Beards, Whiskers, Mustaches, etc. 

Bound Sets of Plays 

Bulwer Lytton's Plays 

Burlesque Dramas 

Burnt Cork 

Cabman's Story 

Carnival of Authors 

Charade Plavs 

Children's Plays 

Comic Dramas for Male Ch&racters 

only 
Costume Books 
Crape Hair 
Cumberland Edition 
Darkey Dramas 
Dramas for Boys 
Drawing-room Monologues 
Elocution, Reciters and Speakers 
Ethiopian Drawas 



Evening's Entertainment 

Fairy and Home Vlays 

F'ench's Costumes 

French's Editions 

French's Italian Operas 

French's Parlor Comedies 

French's Sti>ndard and Minor Drama 

French's Standard and Minor Drama, 

bound 
French's Scenes for Amateurs 
Frobisher's i opular Recitals 
Grand Army Dramas 
Guidi Book's for AniMteurs 
Guide to .Selecting Plays 
Hints on Costumes 
Home Plays for Ladies 
Irish Plays 
Irving's Plays 
Juvenile Pla'vs 
Make-Up Book 
Make-Up Box 
Mock Trial 

Mrs. Jarley's Wax Work* 
New PUys 



New Recitation Books \ 

Nigy-er Jokej and Stump Speechea 

ParU)r Magic 

Parlor Pantomimes 

Pieces of Pleasantry 

Poems for Recitations 

Plays for M.'.i . Characters only 

Round Games 

Scenery 

Scriptural and Historical Dramas 

Sensation Di-amas 

Se'io-Comic Dramas 

Shadow Pantomimes 

Shakespeare's Plays for Amateurs 

Shakespeare's Plays 

Stanley's Dwarfs 

Spirit Gum 

Tableaux Vivants 

Talma Actor's Art 

Temperance Plays 

Vocal Music of Shakesneare's Plays 

Webster's Acting Edition 

Wigs, etc. 



(French's Minor Drama Continued from 4th page of Cover.) 



VOL. XLT. 

3!M Adventures of a Lovt 
322 1 ost Child [Lette. 

353 Court Cards 
3iM Cox and Box 
395 I'ortv Winks 

326 Wonderful Woman 

327 Curious Case 

328 Tweedleton's Tail Coat 



VOL, 

Lik.- : 



XLIT. 
: Two Peas 
ive Evidence 



iai 



:;3:i M.irk Tr 
;i:;4 Mv riule's Will 
;-;:^-. Happy Pair 
336 My Turn Next 



VOL. XLIII. 

337 Sunset 

338 For Haifa Million 

339 C ble Car 

340 Earlv Bird 

341 Alumni Play 
34v! Show of Hands 

343 Barbar?-. 

344 Who's Who 



VOL. XLTV. 
Mb Who's To Win Him 
34(1 Which is Which 
347 Cup of Tea 
StS Sarah's Young Man 

349 Hearts 

350 In Honor Bound [Law 

351 Freezing a Mother-in- 

352 My Lord in Livery 



SAMUEL FRENCH, 28=30 West 38th Street. New York City 



^ 



■^ Hew and Explicit Descriptive Catalogue Mailed Pre* on Request. 



&SS£9««! 



&^^ 



FRENCH'S MINOR DRAMA. 



Price 15 C«nts each.-Bo LIBRPRY OF CONGRESS 



TOL. I, 
1 Tk* Iritlt AttorMT^ 
t BooU at tUe Swan 
• How to Pity th« Rant 
4 The Loan of a Lov«r 
» Tbt Dead Shot 

6 Hii Lait («ri 

7 The InTis.Ole Prin«« 
» The QoliUn Farniar 

VOL. II. 
t Prlds of the Markai 

10 U««d Up 

1 1 Th« Iriih Tutor 

1< Tha Barrack Room 
18 Luke the Laborer 

14 Beauty and the Beaii 

16 St. Patrick'* Eve 

15 Captain of the Watoh 

VOU HI. 

17 The Secret fpere 

18 White Horit of the Pep- 
I» The Jacobite 
JU The Bottle 
SI Box and CoX 
>} Bambooiliny 
8S W.dow'e VlctlB* 
84 Robert Macair* 

VOL. IT. 
tS Secret Serrto* 
'H Oinnibua 
27 Irish Lion 
as Maidof CrotiiV 
S> The Old Guard 
«0 Raliiny the Wla4 
31 Slasher and Crnaher 
I Eni 

vo 

38 Cocknlei in Calltbml* 

34 Who Speakt Flret 

'Si Bombastes KurioiA 

SI Macbeth Trareeti* 

3T Iriih Ambasiador 

38 Delicate Ground 

3» The Weathercock iQold 

40 All that Glitters U Not 

VOL. VL 

41 Qrlmihaw, Bagihaw and 

Bradshaw 
4» Rough Diamond 
tS Bloomer Costume 
U Two Bonnycastlei 

15 Born to Qood Luck 

lt> Kiss in the Dark [jurer 

47 'Twould PuMie • Con- 
18 Kill or Cure 

VOL. vri, 

48 Box and Cox Married and 
SC St. C ipid [Settled 
61 Oo-U bed Tom 

ii The Lawyer* 

63 Jack 3heppar4 

64 The '"Vodle* 

66 The fobcap 
61 Ladle* Beware 

VOL. VIII. 

67 Morning Call 

6$ Popping the QueettoK 
Si Deaf A* a Post 
40 Ne.» Footman 
II Pleaiant Neighbor 
^it Paddy the Piper 
A3 Brian O'LIdb 
64 Irlilt Auurane* 
VOL. IX. 

16 Temptation 
81 Paddy Oirejr 

17 Two Qregorlei 

18 King Charzniou 

69 Pu-ea-hon-tas 

70 Cloekmaker'* Hal 

71 Married Rake 

78 Lere atvd Murder 

VOL. X. 
7J Ireland and A-^rerlea 
M Pretty Piece of Battneae 
Tt Irijh nreom-makar 
T«T9 Pari* anil Baek f»r 
Mre Pouadt 

77 l^at B)ee*«4 BOv 

78 Our Aal 

78 SwiM Oetiag* 
•• Tea*! WUev 



Thumping Legacy 
Unfini*bad O'atleiai 



VOL. XI 
81 O'Flannigan and the Fal- 
89 Irish Po*t [rie* 

88 My Neighbor'* Wife 
84 Irish Tiger 

86 P. P., or Man and Tiger 
66 To Oblige Benioa 

87 State SecreU 

88 Irish Yankee 

VOL. XIL 

89 A Good Fellow 

90 Cherry and Fair ( 

91 Gale Breexely 
91 Our Jemiuiy 

93 Miller'a Maid 

94 Awkward Arrirat 

95 Crossing the Lin* 
98 Conjugal Les*on 

VOL. XIII. 

97 My Wife'. Mirror 

98 Life in New York 

99 Middy Ashor* 

100 Crown Prinot 

101 Two Queen* 

109 Thum ■ ' 
103 

104 Hou*e Dog 

VOL. XIV. 

105 The Demon Lor«r 

106 Matrimony 

107 InandOutof Plao* 

108 I Dine with My Mother 
lC«Kl-a-wa-tha 

110 Andr Blak* 

111 Lore" in '78 [ties 
118 Romance under Dllleul- 

VOL. XV. 
lis One Coat for 4 Sail* 
114 A Decided Ca«« 
1 1 8 Daugh ter f no ritv 

116 No; or, the Gloriou* Ml- 

117 Coroner's Inquisition 

118 Love In Humble Life 
19 Family Jar* 

80 Personation 

VOL. XVI. 
181 Children in the \Voo4 
199 Winning* Husband 

123 Day After the Fair 

124 Mak* Your WilU 

125 Rendezrou* 

128 My Wife's Husbaai 
1 27 Monsieur Tonaon 
188 lllustrioiu Stranger 

VOL. XVII. 
199 Mischief-Making [Ml 
130 A Lire Woman la 
i:u The Cortalr 
132 Shylock 
'33 Spoiled ChlI4 
134 Kvil Ey* 
136 Vothlnir to Nurae 

136 Wanted* Widow 
VOL. XVIIL 

137 Lottery Ticket 
'31 Fortune's FroIIe 

139 I* he Jealous! 

140 Married Bachelor 

141 Hutband at Sight 
149 Irishman In London 
148 A.nlmal Magnetism 
144 Highways and By-W »y* 

VOL. XIX. 
148 Columbua 
148 Harlequin Bluebeard 

147 Ladies at Home 

148 Phenomenon in • SiaocK 
Frock 

149 Comedy and Tragedy 

150 Opposite Vglghbors 

151 Dutchman'* Ghost 
169 Persecuted Dutchman 

VOL. XX. 
tgSMuaard Ball 
,6t Great Tragic Rerlr*! 

166 High Low Jack & Game 
156 A Gentleman from Ire- 

167 Tom nnd Jerry [land 

168 Vlllige Lawyer 

IM Captain'a net A-naia* 
i9> Amateura and Aotora 



the 




014 641 707 



161 
165 
168 
164 
166 
166 
167 
168 

VOL. xxn. 

169 Yankee Peddler 

170 Hiram Hireout 

171 Double-Bedded Room 
178 The Drama Detended 

173 Vermont Wool Dealer 

174 Ebeneier Venture [ter 

176 Principles from Charaa- 
178 Lady of the Lake (Tr*r) 

VOL. XXlIi. 

177 Mad Doge 

178 Barney the Barea 

179 Swia* Swain* 

180 Bachelor'* Bedroom 

181 A Roland for an Olirer 
181 More Blunder* than One 
183 Dumb Belle 
ls4 Lim«riok Boy 

VOL. xxir. 

185 Vature and Philoeophy 

186 Teddy the Tiler 

187 Spectre Bridegroom 

188 Matieo Falcone 

189 Jenny LInd 

190 Two Buiiard* 

191 Happy Msui 
199 Bet*y Baker 

VOL. XXV. 
198 No. 1 Ronnd the Comer 
194 Teddy Roe 

196 Object of InUreat 
191 My Fellow Clerk 

197 Bengal Tiger 

198 Laughing Hjen* 

199 The Victor Vanqulahed 
800 Our Wife 

VOL. XXVL 
901 My Huaband'a Mirror 
908 Yankee Land 
Norah Crein* 
904 Good for Nolhinf 
908 The First Night 
806 The Eton Boy 

907 Wandering MInatrel 

908 WanUd, 1000 Mlllln*n 
VOL. XXVIL 

909 Poor Pllcoddy 

810 The Mummy [Glaaars 

811 Don't Forget your Opera 
819 LoTe in Lirery 
218 Anthony and Cleopatra 
214 Trying It On 
816 Stage Struck Yankee 
918 Young Wife & Old Um 

brell* 



VOL. 

91T Crinoline 

218 A Family Falllnf 

219 Adopted Child 

280 Turned Heada 

281 A Match In the Dark 
288 Advice to Husband* 
828 Siamese Twine 

884 Sent to the Tower 
VOL. XXIX. 
295 Somebody Flae 
2 6 Ladles' Battle 

927 frt of Acting 

928 "Hie Lady of the Lion* 
299 The Rirhts of Man 
280 My Husoand'a Ghost 
231 Two Can Play at that 

Game 

nini 

VOL. 5CXX. 
288 Unprotected Female 
984 Pet of the PetUeoata 
235 Forty and Fifty [book 

986 Who Stole the Pooket- 

987 My Son Diana [sion 
238 Unwarrantable Int'u- 
889 Mr. aad M-a. White 
940 A Quiet Family 



(PrMcbU Minor Drama Continued on jdpaft o/Covtr.) 



VOL. XXXU. 
849 Dr. DUwurth 
960 Out to Nurse 
981 A Lucky Hit 
889 The Dowager 
968 Idetamora (BurWkque) 

864 Dreams of Delusion 

965 The Shaker Lover* 
866 Ticklish Times 

VOL. XXXIIL 
y«7 90 Minute* with a Tiger 
968 Mlralda; or, the Juetice 

of Taoen 
919 A Soldier'* Courtship 

960 Servaau by Legacy 

961 Dying for Love 
968 Alariiiing Sacrifiee 
868 Valet de Sham 
964 Niohola* Mcklebr 

VOL. XXXIV. 

865 The La*t of the PirtaiU 

966 King Rene's Daughter 
267 The Grotto Nymph 
968 A Devilieh Good Joke 
8«9 A Twice Told Tale 
970 Pa* de Faieination 
ill Revolutionary Soldier 
979 A Man Without a Head 

VOL. XXXV. 

978 The Olie, Part 1 
974 The Olio, Part f 
976 The Olle, Part 8 (ter 

976 The Trumpeter'* Dnugb. 

977 Seeing Warren 
278 Green Mountain Bor 

979 That Nose 

980 Tom Noddy'* Secret 
VOL. XXXVL 

981 Shacking Evento 
988 A Rerufar Fix 
988 Dick TarpiB 

984 Young Se-imp 

985 Young Aetrea* 
984 Call at No. 1-f 

987 One Toush of Natnit 

988 Two B'hoya 

VOL. xxxvri. 

989 AH the WorU'a a Stag* 

990 Quash, or Nigger Frae- 

991 Turn Htm Out [tfce 
999 Pretty Girl, of Stlllbers 
9«3 Angel of the Attie 
994 O^TcumsUnceaaiterCMe* 
996 Ketty O'Sheal 

996 A Supper in Dixie 

VOL. xxxvm. 

997 Id on Parle Francala 

998 Who Killed Cock Robin 

999 Declaration of Itidepend- 

800 Heads or Tails fenoe 

801 Obstinate Family 
309 My »nnt 

803 That Rascal Pat 

804 Don Paddy de Baian 
VOL. XXXIX. [ture 

806 Too Much for Good Na- 

806 Cure for the Fidget. 

807 J»ck'» the Lad 

308 MuchAdoAboutNothing 

309 Artful Dodger 

310 Winning Haiard 

311 Dar'. Fishing [Jte. | 
^'a you evfr send year, 

VOL. XL. 
318 An Irishman's Manenrer 
314 Cousin Fannie 
815 'Tit the Darkest Honrbe- 

316 Masquerade [fere Dawn 

317 Crowding the Braaea 
81* Good Nirht'sReet 

819 Man with theCarpetBlf 
390 Terrible Tinker 



SAMUEL PREN'^H, 28-30 ^^ est 38th Street, New York City. 

Hew ani: 2xp:2cit Descriptive Catalojgrue Wailed Free 3r ReauesL 



